Ian Bronson
Fire has the power to destroy lives, reshape cities, and leave scars on history itself. Across the United States, some blazes have grown into infamy, remembered for their devastating impact and the resilience they inspired. Here are ten deadly fires in America that shaped its history forever.
Los Angeles Fire Of 2025
The Palisades and Eaton Fires in Los Angeles have burned over 37,800 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and claimed at least 25 lives. With more than 200,000 residents evacuated, firefighters continue battling relentless flames. According to Cal Fire, it is one of the most destructive wildfires in the history of southern California.
Lahaina Fire Of 2023
On August 8, 2023, the Lahaina Fire tore through the town of Lahaina, Hawaii, and became the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in over a century. The destructive blaze claimed 102 lives, with many more still unaccounted for. It obliterated the town, even claiming the iconic banyan tree, despite efforts to protect it.
Camp Fire Of 2018
Fueled by high winds and drought, a catastrophic wildfire leveled the town of Paradise in California on November 8, 2018, destroying 18,000 structures. Tragically, eighty-five lives were lost, and 50,000 people were displaced. In the aftermath, Pacific Gas & Electric was found liable for sparking the fire.
Pyrotechnics sparked this Rhode Island blaze on February 20, 2003, and led to the fatal loss of 100 concertgoers’ lives in less than five minutes. Fumes and the overcrowded exits turned the venue into a dangerous snare. Survivors testified about the confusion and chaos of the panicked crowd.
Oakland Firestorm Of 1991
Over the span of two days, a reignited grass fire in Oakland Hills, California, destroyed 2,900 buildings, killed 25, and injured 150. This firestorm spread across 1,520 acres and caused $1.5 billion in damages. For many, the rapid spread of the blaze left them with little more than moments to escape.
Texas City Disaster Of 1947
In Texas City, a ship filled with ammonium nitrate exploded on April 16, 1947, igniting fires that led to the loss of nearly 600 people’s lives. The blast’s force was so strong that it shattered windows 40 miles away. To this day, it remains one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history.
Cloquet Fire Of 1918
Sparks from a rail line started a firestorm on October 12, 1918. As a result, the fire killed 453 people, destroyed 38 towns, and left thousands homeless. The flames consumed 250,000 acres, and with heat so fierce, the fire reportedly melted rail tracks in its path.
Great Fire Of 1910
Burning across northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, and parts of Montana, this wildfire consumed 3 million acres in just two days. Known as the “Big Blowup,” it claimed 87 lives. Because of the intense nature of the flames, their weather system was created, including fire tornadoes.
San Francisco Fire Of 1906
After the infamous earthquake on April 18, 1906, fires engulfed San Francisco, California, and consumed 500 city blocks. Gas leaks and toppled lanterns turned ruins into infernos. Over 3,000 lives were lost, and fire crews were forced to dynamite buildings to prevent further spread.
Peshtigo Fire Of 1871
On October 8, 1871, the Peshtigo Fire devastated Peshtigo, Wisconsin, and became “the most devastating forest fire in American history,” according to the National Weather Service. The inferno consumed 1.2 million acres and claimed over 1,500 lives. Its unimaginable heat turned sand into glass and even incinerated animals mid-flight.
