The destruction of California's largest-ever wildfire, in 4 astonishing photos


California's Mendocino Complex fire, which this week became the largest wildfire in the state's history, has burned through hundreds of thousands of acres. Much of the land in California has been scorched in recent weeks as 18 separate fires continue to grow, only about 40 percent contained.
Years of drought have primed the state for some truly horrific blazes, and officials say the Northern California fire might continue to burn until September. Below, four photos that show just how breathtakingly destructive the Mendocino Complex fire has become. Summer Meza
Embed from Getty // Embed// Embed// Embed//
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Summer Meza has worked at The Week since 2018, serving as a staff writer, a news writer and currently the deputy editor. As a proud news generalist, she edits everything from political punditry and science news to personal finance advice and film reviews. Summer has previously written for Newsweek and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, covering national politics, transportation and the cannabis industry.
-
Hotels with kitchen gardens for a foodie weekend away
The Week Recommends Feast on seasonal produce straight from the veg patch at these country retreats
-
Succession planning as the Dalai Lama turns 90
In the Spotlight China 'determined to shape the narrative' around choice of Tibet's next spiritual leader
-
AI is creating a luxury housing renaissance in San Francisco
Under the Radar Luxury homes in the city can range from $7 million to above $20 million
-
LA County reportedly set to pay $2.5 million in settlements over Kobe Bryant crash photos
Speed Read
-
The horrific scene at Kabul's airport, in 14 photos and videos
Speed Read
-
Report: Matt Gaetz's former wingman has given investigators thousands of photos, videos, and texts
Speed Read
-
FBI used 'provocative' photos of female staffers as bait in sex trafficking stings, report finds
Speed Read
-
Before Florida condo collapse, contractor took photos of damage in building's garage
Speed Read
-
Gun-toting protesters' dramatic stand inside Michigan's statehouse, in 5 photos and videos
Speed Read
-
L.A. County sheriff ordered 8 deputies to delete graphic photos of Kobe Bryant crash
Speed Read
-
Vanessa Bryant 'absolutely devastated' by report deputies shared photos of Kobe Bryant crash
Speed Read