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What is the largest fire in history?

Published in Historical Wildfires 2 mins read

The largest fire in history, when referring to recorded wildfires by area burned, is The Great Fire of 1910.

Understanding The Great Fire of 1910

Also known as the "Big Burn" or "Big Blowup," The Great Fire of 1910 swept across parts of Idaho, Montana, and Washington in the United States during the summer of 1910. This immense wildfire event burned an astounding 3,000,000 acres, making it one of the most significant and destructive fires ever recorded in North American history. Its scale was so vast that it significantly influenced the development of modern firefighting policies and the establishment of the U.S. Forest Service as a major firefighting agency.

Top Recorded Wildfires by Area Burned

While The Great Fire of 1910 stands out, several other wildfires throughout history have also consumed vast tracts of land, demonstrating the immense power and destructive potential of such events. Here are some of the largest recorded wildfires:

Ranking Fire Name Area Burned (Acres)
1 The Great Fire of 1910 3,000,000
2 Siberian Taiga Fires 2,700,000
3 Australia Bushfires (2019-20) 2,500,000
4 Chinchaga Fire 1,400,000

These figures highlight the scale of the largest wildfires, which can devastate ecosystems, displace communities, and have long-lasting environmental impacts.

For more information on historical wildfires, you can refer to resources on the top largest wildfires in history.