California Wildphyres 2016
In 2016, California experienced numerous wildfires, particularly during the late summer and early fall months. Below is a month-by-month overview of significant wildfires during this period:
August 2016
- Blue Cut Fire
Location: San Bernardino County
Acres Burned: Approximately 37,000
Structures Destroyed: 105 homes, 213 outbuildings
Start Date: August 16, 2016
Details: Rapidly spread through the Cajon Pass, leading to the evacuation of over 82,000 residents. - Clayton Fire
Location: Lake County
Acres Burned: Approximately 4,000
Structures Destroyed: 300
Start Date: August 13, 2016
Details: Devastated the town of Lower Lake, leading to the arrest of a suspect for arson. - Chimney Fire
Location: San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties
Acres Burned: Approximately 46,344
Structures Destroyed: 49
Start Date: August 13, 2016
Details: Threatened the historic Hearst Castle, prompting evacuations in surrounding areas.
September 2016
- Soberanes Fire
Location: Monterey County
Acres Burned: Approximately 132,127
Structures Destroyed: 68
Start Date: July 22, 2016
Details: Continued to burn into September, becoming one of the costliest fires to fight in U.S. history. - Gap Fire
Location: Siskiyou County
Acres Burned: Approximately 33,867
Start Date: August 27, 2016
Details: Affected the Klamath National Forest, leading to evacuations and road closures.
October 2016
- Loma Fire
Location: Santa Clara County
Acres Burned: Approximately 4,474
Structures Destroyed: 12
Start Date: September 26, 2016
Details: Continued into October, impacting the Santa Cruz Mountains and prompting evacuations.
November 2016
- Emerald Fire
Location: El Dorado County
Acres Burned: Approximately 176
Start Date: October 14, 2016
Details: Near South Lake Tahoe, led to temporary evacuations and raised concerns due to proximity to residential areas.
December 2016
- Little Valley Fire
Location: Washoe County (Note: This fire was in Nevada, near the California border)
Acres Burned: Approximately 2,291
Structures Destroyed: 23
Start Date: October 14, 2016
Details: Destroyed homes near Reno; although in Nevada, it had implications for nearby California communities.
These wildfires highlight the challenges California faced in 2016, with thousands of acres burned, numerous structures destroyed, and significant impacts on communities across the state.
