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Mendocino-Complex Fire In Photos: California's Largest Fire Ever
A terrifying look back at the savage Mendocino-Complex Fire, as it earns title of being California's largest in history.
Burning more than 300,000 acres in just over two weeks, the Mendocino-Complex Fire has officially become California's largest to date, as in largest in California's history.
See the story in photos:
Mendocino-Complex Fire
Officially formed on July 27th, The Mendocino-Complex Fire is actually a combination of both the Ranch and River fires. Here, the River Fire is seen destroying a home last week, and it shows no signs of slowing down. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Cal Fire officials reported progress during the week as the Mendocino-Complex Fire reached 60 percent containment. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Cal Fire officials have estimated that full containment could take until September 1st. To put in to perspective, the Thomas Fire last year (which now ranks as the state's second largest ever), took more than 6 months to extinguish. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
With mandatory evacuations on the rise this past week, many locals were displaced. Some lost everything. In this harrowing image, only a kitchen stove sits in the remains of a home near Clearlake Oaks. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Officials mark which damaged homes are a 'TOTAL LOSS." (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
In addition to residential homes, hundreds of businesses and other structures have been destroyed as well. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
The Mendocino-Complex Fire has also been a huge threat to California's diverse wildlife. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Farm buildings have not been spared, including this horse barn in Lakeport. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Air quality is also a huge risk factor affecting wildlife in the area. Smoke from the Mendocino-Complex fire can be seen over a valley in Logoda as recently as August 8th. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Fire crews from all over the state have been working around the clock despite California temperatures being hotter than ever. Here, a firefighting aircraft drops fire retardant ahead of the River Fire as it burns through a canyon near Lakeport last week. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
While Cal Fire recently reported containment progress, firefighters were initially left frustrated on how to best combat the ravaging flames. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesman, Steve Kaufman, said, "The fire was so unpredictable that it wasn't worth putting firefighters in the middle of the wilderness." (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Such fickle conditions also made it extremely hard for firefighters to determine what areas to focus their best preventative methods. Here, a firefighter can be seen lighting a back fire ahead of the River Fire. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Firefighters monitor another backfire, but this time near Lodoga. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Governor Jerry Brown must allow the Free Flow of the vast amounts of water coming from the North and foolishly being diverted into the Pacific Ocean. Can be used for fires, farming and everything else. Think of California with plenty of Water - Nice! Fast Federal govt. approvals.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 6, 2018
While soaring temperatures and gusty winds continue to worsen conditions in the Golden State, President Trump caused confusion by blaming the fire's severity directly on current environmental laws.
Despite the President's finger pointing, Cal Fire spokesman Michael Mohler reveals that it is actually climate change that is fueling these fires. "There is no other way to explain explosive fuel conditions that come with increased winds and higher temperatures, " he says. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
As containment efforts are well underway, it's clear just how much damage the Mendocino-Complex Fire's perilous path has left behind. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
While the Mendocino-Complex Fire made history, Southern California has its own monster to battle: The Holy Fire.
See all the recent photos below:
The Holy Fire
Although no official numbers have been confirmed, The Holy Fire is said to have scorched nearly 10,000 acres already, while forcing over 20,000 residents to evacuate. Starting at the Cleveland National Forest, the fire is only 5% contained as of August 9th. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Cars drive down a hill in a mandatory evacuation area as the Holy Fire burns on August 8th, 2018 in Lake Elsinore. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
On August 9th, officials charged local resident Forrest Gordon Clark after he was arrested earlier this week on suspicion for starting the fire. If found guilty, Clark could face up to a maximum sentence of life in prison. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
With high temperatures in the 90s and wind gusts of 25mph, things are only going to get worse. The US Forest Service says that "These conditions will increase the likelihood of extreme fire behavior." (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Officials are taking no chances, as they place mandatory evacuations on many of the smaller Riverside communities, too. Nearly 7,500 residential structures are affected, displacing thousands of locals. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
The Holy Fire has already destroyed about a dozen structures since its start this past Monday. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Firefighters continue to work around the clock, many facing 24-hour shifts every other day. With over 10 other fires still ablaze, Ferguson and Carr to name a few, fire crews are wearing thin. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
People watch as the Holy Fire burns near homes on August 9, 2018 in Corona, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Stay tuned for updates.
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