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Camp Fire

The Camp Fire was a catastrophic wildfire that began in Butte County, California, on November 8, 2018.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Camp Fire was a catastrophic wildfire that began in Butte County, California, on November 8, 2018. It became the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history, killing at least 85 people and destroying more than 18,000 structures.

Origins and spread

The Camp Fire ignited on November 8, 2018, in Butte County and spread rapidly under strong winds. It moved downhill into populated areas, producing extreme fire behavior and an urban firestorm in Paradise.

Damage and casualties

The fire caused at least 85 deaths, displaced tens of thousands of residents, and destroyed more than 18,000 structures. The greatest losses occurred in the first hours after ignition.

Cause and investigation

Investigators determined that faulty electrical transmission equipment owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company was the ignition source. The case led to major legal and financial consequences for PG&E.

Containment and legacy

Firefighters contained the blaze on November 25, 2018, after more than two weeks. The disaster became a defining event in California wildfire history and prompted scrutiny of utility maintenance and wildfire risk.

Key facts

  • The Camp Fire began on November 8, 2018, in Butte County, California.
  • It killed at least 85 people and destroyed more than 18,000 structures.
  • The fire burned 153,336 acres (62,050 hectares).
  • Faulty Pacific Gas and Electric Company transmission equipment was identified as the cause.
  • The fire was contained on November 25, 2018.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Camp Fire start?
It began on November 8, 2018, in Butte County, Northern California.
How deadly was the Camp Fire?
It caused at least 85 fatalities, making it the deadliest wildfire in California history.
How much area did the Camp Fire burn?
It burned 153,336 acres (62,050 hectares).
What caused the Camp Fire?
Investigators linked it to faulty Pacific Gas and Electric Company transmission equipment.
When was the Camp Fire fully contained?
It was contained on November 25, 2018.

References

  1. CAL FIRE — https://www.fire.ca.gov/our-impact/remembering-the-camp-fire
    Supports: Date, location, fatalities, acreage burned, structural loss, wind-driven spread, and containment details.
  2. California Office of Emergency Services — https://www.caloes.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/Preparedness/Documents/FINAL-AAR-2018-Camp-Fire-508-Clean-Copy-11.17.25.pdf
    Supports: Official after-action summary of casualties, acreage, structural destruction, and containment date.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/event/Camp-Fire-of-2018
    Supports: Overview, cause, fatalities, acreage, and historical significance.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Fire_(2018)
    Supports: Supplementary summary of spread, damage, and timeline.