Top 10 Largest and Deadliest Wildfires in History

By Sheetal Kumari | January 13, 2025

1. The Peshtigo Fire (USA, 1871)

The deadliest wildfire, burning 1.2 million acres and killing 1,200-2,500 people. Its intensity created fire tornadoes and weather-like conditions. (Image: AI Generated)

2. The Black Friday Bushfires (Australia, 1939)

Burned 4.9 million acres in Victoria, causing 71 deaths. It marked one of Australia’s most destructive bushfire events. (Image: Canva)

3. The Great Fire of 1910 (USA)

Burned 3 million acres in Washington, Idaho, and Montana, killing 87. It significantly influenced U.S. wildfire management. (Image: Canva)

4. The Miramichi Fire (Canada, 1825)

Burned 3 million acres in New Brunswick and Maine, killing over 160 and devastating numerous communities. (Image: Canva)

5. The Black Saturday Bushfires (Australia, 2009)

Burned 1.1 million acres in Victoria, killing 173. Extreme weather fueled Australia’s deadliest bushfire. (Image: Canva)

6. The Cloquet Fire (USA, 1918)

Burned 1.2 million acres in Minnesota, killing over 450. Dry conditions and winds led to rapid spread. (Image: Canva)

7. The Black Dragon Fire (China and Russia, 1987)

Burned 18 million acres, killing at least 200. It caused significant environmental and economic damage. (Image: Canva)

8. The Siberian Wildfires (Russia, 2021)

Burned 47 million acres with 16 reported deaths. It caused major carbon emissions and habitat destruction. (Image: Canva)

9. The Camp Fire (USA, 2018)

Burned 153,336 acres, killing 85. It destroyed Paradise, California, and was caused by electrical faults. (Image: Canva)

10. The Australian Bushfires (2019–2020)

Burned 46 million acres, killing 33 and affecting over 3 billion animals. Known as “Black Summer,” it highlighted climate change impacts. (Image: Canva)

Next: 10 Apocalyptic Theories About the End of the Universe Thanks For Reading ! Find out More