California fires leave at least 31 dead, 7,000 structures destroyed


Several fires burning in Southern and Northern California have killed at least 31 people and destroyed about 7,000 buildings.
These wind-driven fires have burned 196,000 acres, Chief Scott Jalbert of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said on Sunday. The Camp Fire in Butte County has burned 109,000 acres since Thursday, destroyed 6,435 homes and 260 commercial buildings, and is now tied with the 1933 Griffith Park Fire as being the state's deadliest blaze, leaving at least 29 people dead. The Camp Fire is only 25 percent contained.
The Woolsey Fire in Southern California has scorched 83,275 acres over the last few days, burning down 177 structures in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and leaving at least two people dead. The fire is just 10 percent contained.
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.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
North America is 'dripping' into Earth's mantle
Under the radar Things are rocky below the surface
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
8 essentials for the perfect picnic
The Week Recommends Celebrate warmer weather by dining al fresco
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Crossword: April 14, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Severe storms kill dozens across central US
Speed Read At least 40 people were killed over the weekend by tornadoes, wildfires and dust storms
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Rain helps Los Angeles wildfires, risks mudslides
Speed Read The weather provided relief for crews working to contain wildfires, though rain over a burn area ups the chances of flooding and mudslides
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Should Los Angeles rebuild its fire-prone neighbourhoods?
Talking Point The latest devastating wildfires must be a wake-up call for Los Angels to 'move away from fire-prone suburban sprawl'
By The Week UK Published
-
The worst wildfires in California history
The Explainer Total damage from the ongoing fires could be up to $150 billion, according to AccuWeather
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
How will home insurance change after LA's fires?
Today's Big Question Climate disasters leave insurance industry in crisis
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
What happens to wildlife during a wildfire?
The explainer Flames also affect the flora and fauna
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Death toll rises in LA fires as wind lull allows progress
Speed Read At least 24 people have died and 100,000 people are under mandatory evacuation orders
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Biden cancels Italy trip as raging LA fires spread
Speed Read The majority of the fires remain 0% contained
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published