Western and Alaskan Wildfires

Losses, 2024 dollars

$4.0 billion

Losses at the time

$3.0 billion

Deaths

12

The losses and deaths are NCEI’s, counting everything the disaster did. The episodes below are only what the Weather Service filed in its Storm Events record, which counts damage differently and often not at all, so the two never add up and are shown apart.

• Debris Flow and Hail in Utah, June 2 to 3, 2015$55,000 · 1.5 in hail · 13 eventsStrong thunderstorms continued to move across northern Utah on June 2 and 3, with several storms producing strong gusty winds or large hail.
• Wildfire in Florida, June 4, 20151 eventA brush fire erupted near Pomona Park.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, June 5 to 11, 20151 eventA blaze charred 400 acres of dry brush along Pokii Ridge, upslope from Kokee Road, on Kauai. It did not threaten any homes, cause any serious damage, or result in any significant injuries. The cause of the fire was unknown.
• Wildfire in Arizona, June 6 to 30, 20151 eventThe Horse Tank Fire was started by lightning on Saturday, June 6, 2015, approximately six miles north of Strawberry, AZ. The last update was on July 8th when the fire was 3,603 Acres.
• Wildfire in Oregon, June 10 to 30, 20151 eventThe Buckskin fire was initiated by lightning at around 2315 PST on 06/10/2015. As of 06/18/2015, the fire was 2400 acres and was 5% contained. 3.4 million dollars had been spent in firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Alaska, June 14 to 29, 20158 injured · $1.1 million · 2 eventsIn mid June, high pressure extending across the Interior and Southwest Alaska caused dangerous fire weather conditions.
• Wildfire in Arizona, June 17 to 27, 2015$150,000 · 1 eventHigh pressure created hot and dry conditions in eastern Pinal County. Localized terrain-driven winds allowed a human caused fire to spread through the dry Gila River channel near the community of Kearny.
• Wildfire in California, June 17 to 30, 2015$900,000 · 1 eventThe Lake Fire began on June 17th around 1440 PST on Jenks Lake Road West near Camp de Benneville Pines in the eastern San Bernardino Mountains. The fire burned rapidly south and east near Highway 38 south of Big Bear toward the Morongo Valley in heavy timber.
• Wildfire in California, June 18 to 29, 20151 eventThe Sky wildfire started on June 18, 2015. The fire was located 2 miles northeast of Yosemite Forks in Madera County. It burnt 500 acres. There were no fatalities or structures lost. The cost of containment was $4.9 million.
• Wildfire in California, June 18 to 25, 20151 eventThe Corrine wildfire started on June 18, 2015 and was contained on June 25, 2015. The fire was located 2 miles north of Auberry in Madera County. It burnt 920 acres and three out buildings were lost. The cost of the wildfire is unknown.
• Wildfire in Alaska, June 22, 2015$1.0 million · 1 eventThe Rex Complex Wildfire destroyed 6 homes and 2 other structures on Monday June 22nd roughly eight miles southwest of the town of Anderson. The wildfire also led to the evacuation of 25 residents.
• Wildfire in Oregon, June 26 to 30, 20151 eventThe Bunker Hill Complex fire was initiated by lightning at around 1800 PST on 06/26/2015. As of 07/01/2015, the fire was 362 acres and was 50% contained. 1.6 million dollars have been spent in firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Oregon, June 27 to 30, 20151 eventLightning caused Sugarloaf Fire is now at 5,057 acres and 65% contained. Most of the active fire is on the northeast edge, where burnout operations continue to secure the fire line. Heavier fuels in the forested areas are requiring extensive mop up.
• Wildfire in Washington, June 28 to 29, 20151 eventThe Sleepy Hollow Fire ignited at 230 PM near Wenatchee, WA Sunday Evening June 28, 2015. This urban interface fire expanded to 3000 acres and destroyed 28 structures (homes and business buildings).
• Wildfire in Washington, June 28 to 30, 20151 eventThe Sleepy Hollow Fire burned 2,950 acres and destroyed 29 residences, 1 outbuilding and 3 commercial businesses. Four minor injuries were reported on the fire.
• Wildfire in Washington, June 29 to 30, 20151 eventThis fire 26 miles south of Brewster Washington burned 2,424 acres and cost $175,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Oregon, June 29 to 30, 20151 eventLightning caused Corner Creek Fire is burning on the west side of the South Fork John Day River, about 11 miles south of Dayville. The Corner Creek Fire has burned 12,750 acres on the Ochoco National Forest, Bureau of Land Management Prineville District, and private lands.
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 29 to 30, 20151 eventThe Granite fire was caused by lightning on Monday June 29,2015 at approximately 8 PM PDT. The origin was in heavy timber 6 miles northeast of Nordman, Idaho. The fire burned 207 acres as of July 19,2015.
• Wildfire in Washington, June 30, 20151 eventThis fire of undetermined origin started 6 miles north of Quincy, WA. It burned 2,100 acres and cots $200,000 to suppress/contain.
• Wildfire in Arizona, July 1 to 8, 20151 eventThe Horse Tank Fire was started by lightning on Saturday, June 6, 2015, approximately six miles north of Strawberry, AZ. The last update was on July 8th when the fire was 3,603 Acres.
• Wildfire in Oregon, July 1 to 20, 20151 eventLightning caused Corner Creek Fire is burning on the west side of the South Fork John Day River, about 11 miles south of Dayville. The Corner Creek Fire has burned 12,750 acres on the Ochoco National Forest, Bureau of Land Management Prineville District, and private lands.
• Wildfire in Oregon, July 1 to 10, 20151 eventLightning caused Sugarloaf Fire is now at 5,057 acres and 65% contained. Most of the active fire is on the northeast edge, where burnout operations continue to secure the fire line. Heavier fuels in the forested areas are requiring extensive mop up.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 1 to 6, 20151 eventThe Sleepy Hollow Fire burned 2,950 acres and destroyed 29 residences, 1 outbuilding and 3 commercial businesses. Four minor injuries were reported on the fire.
• Wildfire in Idaho, July 1 to 19, 20151 eventThe Granite fire was caused by lightning on Monday June 29,2015 at approximately 8 PM PDT. The origin was in heavy timber 6 miles northeast of Nordman, Idaho. The fire burned 207 acres as of July 19,2015.
• Wildfire in Oregon, July 1 to 10, 20151 eventThe Bunker Hill Complex fire was initiated by lightning at around 1800 PST on 06/26/2015. As of 07/10/2015, which was the date of the last report, the fire was 388 acres and was 100% contained. 5.0 million dollars were spent in firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Oregon, July 1 to 6, 20151 eventThe Buckskin fire was initiated by lightning at around 2315 PST on 06/10/2015. As of 07/06/2015, the last report on the fire, the fire was 5345 acres and was 60% contained. 8.2 million dollars had been spent in firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 1 to 2, 20151 eventThis fire 26 miles south of Brewster Washington burned 2,424 acres and cost $175,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 1 to 31, 20151 eventThis fire of undetermined origin started 11 miles south of Clarkston, WA. It burned 399 acres and cost $50,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 1 to 3, 20151 eventThis fire of undetermined origin started 6 miles north of Quincy, WA. It burned 2,100 acres and cots $200,000 to suppress/contain.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 1 to 9, 20151 eventThe fire began on afternoon of July 1,2015 with a point of origin 21 miles south of Republic, WA on highway 21. The fire burned 2,250 acres as of July 9,2015.
• Debris Flow in California, July 1, 20151 eventPersistent moderate to high atmospheric moisture combined with daytime heating to produce thunderstorms (many with heavy rainfall) early in the month.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 2 to 3, 20151 eventThis fire of undetermined cause originated 7 miles northwest of Othello, WA. It burned 840 acres and cost $150,000 to contain/suppress.
• Debris Flow and Hail in Colorado, July 2, 20151.5 in hail · 3 eventsA severe storm produced hail up to the size of ping pong balls near Howard in Fremont County. A storm produced heavy rain near Mt. Princeton in Chaffee County, causing numerous debris flows across County Road 344 east of Cottonwood Lake.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 2 to 23, 20151 eventThe Newby Lake Fire started by lightning on Thursday July 2,2015 at approximately 1 PM PDT with an origin near 12 miles NW of Loomis, WA. THis fire burned 5,065 acres as of July 23rd.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 3 to 10, 20151 eventThe Williams fire started Friday July 3,2015 at approximately 2:50 PM from a cause that is still under investigation. The origin was located approximately 2 miles north of Colville, WA and east of Williams Lake Road. It burned 332 acres.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 3 to 12, 20151 eventThe 231 fire cause is under investigation. It started Friday July 3,2015 at approximately 3 PM PDT seven miles south of Springdale, Washington. It burned 1,138 acres as of July 12,2015.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, July 4 to 10, 20151 eventA fire charred almost 200 acres of brush in North Kona in a leeward section of the Big Island of Hawaii. Some residents of Wainani Estates and Kona Acres, very close to the burn area, helped battle the blaze near their homes with garden hoses.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 5 to 13, 20152 eventsThis wildfire of undetermined origin started 2 miles north of Quincy, WA. It burned 1,796 acres and cost $100,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 5 to 10, 20151 eventThis fire 6 miles NE of Anatone, WA burned 9,859 acres and cost $750,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 5 to 7, 20151 eventThis fire of undetermined origin started 2 miles north of Quincy, WA. It burned 485 acres and cost $12,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Idaho, July 5 to 17, 20151 eventThe cause of the Cape Horn fire is still under investigation. Media reports have speculated it may have been started by a signal flare that was fired by a boater in distress and the wind blew the flare into the timber.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 10 to 15, 20151 eventLightning was the ignition that started the Douglas County Complex of fires. The time of origin was Friday July 10,2015 at approximately 6 PM. The origin location was 17 miles northeast of Waterville, WA and 10 miles southeast of Waterville, WA.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 15 to 19, 20151 eventThis wildfire of undetermined origin started 18 miles east of Waterville, WA. It burned 2,300 acres and cots $150,000 to suppress/contain.
• Wildfire in California, July 17, 2015$500,000 · 1 eventThe North fire began along Interstate 15 at the Cajon Summit in the early afternoon of the 17th. A mandatory evacuation order was issued for the Baldy Mesa area between Phelan and Hesperia.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, July 17 to 18, 20151 eventA fire blackened about 200 acres of brush south of Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii, on Parker Ranch Land. The blaze did not threaten any structures or endangered plant life. Its cause was unknown. No serious property damage or injuries were reported.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, July 18 to 19, 20151 eventA fire burned 40 acres of brush behind the Lihue Airport on Kauai. The smoke from the blaze forced airfield controllers to divert three flights from Lihue to Honolulu, with one of the flights arriving from the mainland.
• Wildfire in California, July 18 to 20, 20151 eventThe McCabe fire began in July 18, 2015 and was contained on July 20, 2015. It was located 16 miles northwest of Los Banos, CA and burned 1333 acres. There were no structures lost and no fatalities. The cost of containment was $725,000.
• Wildfire in California, July 19 to 31, 20151 eventThe Cabin fire was started by lightning on July 19, 2015 and continued to burn into August. It was located 8 mile northeast of Camp Nelson in Tulare County.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 20 to 23, 20151 eventThis wildfire cause remains under investigation. It originated 7 miles southwest of George, WA. It burned 900 acres and cost $200,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 20 to 31, 20151 eventThe Blue Creek Fire started on Monday, July 20 at approximately 1230 in the afternoon. It is burning 8 miles east of Walla Walla, Washington in grass, brush and timber. It is estimated to be 6,004 acres and is 95% contained. Acreage remains unchanged.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 20 to 31, 20151 eventThe time of origin of the North Boulder 2 fire is July 20,2015 at approximately 2 pm PDT. It has burned 280 acres as of July 31,2015. The ignition was caused by lightning.
• Wildfire in California, July 21 to 26, 20151 eventThe Tulare Lightning Complex began on July 21, 2015 and was contained on July 26, 2015. The fire was located 1 mile South of Springville and burned 446 acres. There were no structures lost and no fatalities. The cost of containment was $1.2 million.
• Wildfire in Montana, July 21 to 31, 20151 eventThe Reynolds Creek Fire began around 3:45 pm on Tuesday, July 21. It was in an area approximately six miles east of Logan Pass and four miles west of the Saint Mary Visitor Center.
• Wildfire in California, July 22 to 30, 20151 injured · $25,000 · 2 eventsBreezy southwest winds combined with dry fuels to intensify the development of wildfires, including the Kyburz and Wragg Fires.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 23 to 27, 20151 eventThis Fire started July 23rd between Addy and Gifford, Washington.
• Wildfire in California, July 24 to 29, 20151 eventThe Cutca fire began at approximately 1500 PST on the 24th. The fire burned in steep and inaccessible terrain east of Cutca Valley and south of Long Canyon 2 miles north of the Palomar Observatory in the Cleveland National Forest.
• Wildfire in Montana, July 25 to 31, 20151 eventThe Muddy Creek 2 Fire was a wildfire which was caused by lightning. The fire started on Saturday, July 25th, at approximately 2:45 PM and was located 5 miles southwest of Lame Deer, Montana. The wildfire burned approximately 2,322 acres, most of which was timber and grass.
• Wildfire in California, July 25 to 31, 20152 eventsThe Willow Fire began on July 25, 2015 and continued to burn for the remainder of July and into August. It was human caused and was located 2 miles west of Wishon, CA. It burned 3383 acres as of July 31.
• Wildfire in California, July 25 to 31, 20156 injured · 1 eventA wildfire started in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at Steep Hollow Creek in the You Bet area, west of Alta, CA on July 25th at approximately 2:37 pm. The fire was not fully contained until August 10th. The cause is still under investigation.
• Wildfire in Montana, July 26 to 29, 20151 eventThe Pine Ridge Wildfire was started by lightning on Sunday evening, July 26th, at about 5:45 PM and was located on the Crow Indian Reservation in South Central Montana.
• Wildfire in California, July 27 to 31, 2015$500,000 · 2 eventsDry northwest winds enhanced wildfires, including the Rocky Fire in Lake County and a property damaging grass fire in Elverta, in northern Sacramento County.
• Wildfire in Oregon, July 28 to 31, 20151 eventThe Cable Crossing Wildfire was started by unknown causes at around 1430 PST on 07/28/2015. As of 0330 PST on 08/01/2015, the fire covered 1110 acres and was 15 percent contained. 1.0 million dollars had been spent on firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Texas, July 30, 20151 eventVery dry conditions and hot temperatures for the last three weeks of July followed a very wet spring. The abundant fuels quickly dried and began to fuel wildfires. A wildfire burned about 550 acres near Mason.
• Wildfire in California, July 30 to 31, 20151 eventThe Advance Fire was started by lightning on July 30, 2015 and was contained on August 2, 2015. It was located 5 miles north of Three Rivers, CA and burned 86 acres. The cost of containment is unknown.
• Wildfire in Oregon, July 30 to 31, 20151 eventThe Stouts Wildfire was started by someone mowing dry grass at around 1200 PST on 07/30/2015. As of 0330 PST on 08/01/2015, the fire covered 6489 acres and was 0 percent contained. 605,000 dollars had been spent on firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in California, July 30 to 31, 20151 death · 1 eventThe Frog Wildfire was started by lightning at around 1645 PST on 07/30/2015. As of 0330 PST on 08/01/2015, the fire covered 1000 acres and was 10 percent contained. 400,000 dollars had been spent on firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 31, 20151 eventThis fire of undetermined origin started 15 miles north of Reardan, WA. It burned 432 acres and cost $420,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 31, 2015$800,000 · 1 eventThe Deckerville Fire in rural western Mason County destroyed 8 homes, according to media reports. The weather was particularly hot and dry, with temperatures in the 90s and RH values below 20 percent.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 31, 20152 eventsThe Rough Fire was started by lightning on July 31, 2015 in the Kings River Drainage, 5 miles north of Hume Lake and 2.5 miles southwest of Spanish Mountain. The fire burned actively through August and continued into September. As of September 2, it had burned 79,963 acres.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 25, 20152 eventsContinued drought, with periods of heat, and low humidity continued to enhance wildfire danger through much of August, especially in the Coastal Range.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 11, 20152 eventsThe Willow Fire began on July 25, 2015 and was contained on August 11, 2015. It was human caused and was located 2 miles west of Wishon, CA, in the Sierra National Forest. It burned 5702 acres. There were no structures lost and no fatalities.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 1 to 20, 20151 eventThe Cable Crossing Wildfire was started by unknown causes at around 1430 PST on 07/28/2015. As of the last report at 0330 PST on 08/20/2015, the fire covered 1857 acres and was 90 percent contained. 9.5 million dollars had been spent on firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 7, 20151 eventThe Frog Wildfire was started by lightning at around 1645 PST on 07/30/2015. As of 0330 PST on 08/07/2015, the fire covered 4782 acres and was 100 percent contained. 3.9 million dollars had been spent on firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 31, 20151 eventThe Cabin fire was started by lightning on July 19, 2015 and continued to burn through then entire month of August. The fire was 96% contained as of September 1, and was burning into the footprint of the 2011 Lion Fire.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 1 to 4, 20151 eventThe Blue Creek Fire started on Monday, July 20 at approximately 1230 in the afternoon. It is burning 8 miles east of Walla Walla, Washington in grass, brush and timber. It is estimated to be 6,004 acres and is 95% contained. Acreage remains unchanged.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 1 to 31, 20151 eventThis lightning caused complex of wildfires burned 65,587 acres and cost over $34 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 1, 20151 eventThis fire of undetermined origin started 1 mile northeast of Sprague, WA. It burned 1,500 acres and cost $150,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 1, 20151 eventThis fire of undetermined origin started 15 miles north of Reardan, WA. It burned 432 acres and cost $420,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 1 to 4, 20151 eventThis fire of undetermined origin started 11 miles south of Clarkston, WA. It burned 399 acres and cost $50,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 12, 20151 eventContinued drought, with periods of heat, breezy winds and low humidity increased wildfire danger through early August.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 1 to 6, 20151 eventThe Stouts Wildfire was started by someone mowing dry grass at around 1200 PST on 07/30/2015. As of 0330 PST on 09/01/2015, the fire covered 26452 acres and was 92 percent contained. 37.2 million dollars had been spent on firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 1 to 24, 20151 eventThe National Creek Complex wildfire consisted of two fires (the National Fire and the Crescent Fire) initiated by dry lightning at around 1315 PST on 08/01/2015. As of 0330 PDT on 09/01/2015, the fire covered 15,091 acres and was 65% contained.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 1 to 20, 20151 eventThe Phillips Creek Fire started Saturday afternoon, August 1. The fire is burning 7 miles NW of Elgin, Oregon in grass, brush, slash and heavy timber predominantly in the Phillips Creek Drainage on both Umatilla National Forest and adjacent State protected private lands.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, August 1 to 6, 20151 injured · 1 eventTwo fires in central Oahu near Wahiawa scorched about 500 acres of brush. The blazes forced the evacuation of some buildings on a Navy installation and around 100 homes for a time. Schools in the area were closed for a couple of days because of smoke.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 2 to 6, 20151 eventA large wildfire broke out on August 2nd along Interstate 10 in Sutton County. As the rains ended in early July, hardly any rain fell through the first part of August. Plenty of the vegetation that blossomed from the wet spring, quickly dried, and fueled the wildfires.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, August 2 to 14, 20151 eventThe fire started along the Tongue River Canyon Trail, one mile up the canyon from the trailhead, located on the Amsden Creek Wildlife Habitat Management area around 4 pm MDT on August 2nd. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation but is believed to be human caused.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 2 to 24, 20151 eventThe Collier Butte Wildfire was started by lightning at around 1400 PST on 08/02/2015. As of 0330 PST on 09/01/2015, the fire covered 11800 acres and was 55 percent contained. 10.6 million dollars had been spent on firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 2 to 17, 20151 eventThe DL Potter Mountain Complex wildfire consisted of eight fires initiated by dry lightning at around 1630 PST on 08/02/2015. As of the last report on 08/17/2015, the fire covered 357 acres and was 100% contained. 1.9 million dollars were spent on firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 4 to 10, 20151 eventThe Highway 8 fire is burning in grassland and in various canyons approximately three miles north/northwest of Roosevelt, WA in Klickitat County. The fire was reported on August 4, 2015 at approximately 1:00pm (pacific time).
• Debris Flow in California, August 4, 20151 eventStrong and wet thunderstorms caused some local flash flooding in Siskiyou county on the evening of 08/04/2015.
• Wildfire in Arizona, August 8 to 17, 2015$400,000 · 1 eventThe Az-Cra-Willow wildfire burned 6,780 acres in the Mohave Valley/Willow Valley area. Eleven structures and seven RVs were damaged or destroyed.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, August 8 to 10, 20151 eventA fire blackened nearly 5000 acres of brush near Kawaihae in the leeward section of the Big island of Hawaii. The blaze threatened two neighborhoods, and several homes were evacuated for a day.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 10 to 16, 2015$500,000 · 1 eventThe Brown Ranch Fire burned 17831 acres in Edwards County. The fire started on August 10 and was 100% contained on August 16. Three homes were destroyed by the fire and at least another 40 were evacuated.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 10 to 31, 20152 eventsThis complex of lightning caused wildfires near Kamiah, Idaho burned over 70,000 acres. Fires included in the Clearwater-Municipal Complex include:|Lawyer 2 at 41,195 acres, Municipal at 1,770 acres, Fisher at 18,889 acres, Lolo 2 at 6,200 acres, and Old Greer at 73 acres.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 10 to 31, 20151 eventThe Grizzly Complex consists of several lightning-caused fires that were started during lightning storms on August 10 and August 22, 2015.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 10 to 11, 20151 eventThis fire of undetermined cause started 11 miles south of Creston, WA. It burned 542 acres and cost $40,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 10 to 31, 20151 death · 1 injured · $8.5 million · 1 eventThe Clearwater-Municipal consists of a group of fires in Clearwater, Idaho and Lewis Counties in northern Idaho. The fires, started by lightning, have been burning since approximately 1:15 pm on August 10th.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 10 to 31, 20151 eventExtreme fire behavior with crowning and long-range spotting pushed the Cougar Creek Fire to 18,000 acres Thursday. An anticipated passage of a cold front from the west Friday is expected to continue fire growth, especially to the east.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 11 to 13, 20151 eventThe La Bandera Fire burned 866 acres in Dimmit County. The fire started on August 11 and was 100% contained on August 13. Three homes were threatened by the fire and were all saved.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 11 to 31, 20151 eventThis complex of lightning caused wildfires burned 76,512 acres and cost over $37 million to suppress.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 11 to 31, 20151 eventThis complex of lightning caused wildfires was composed of four separate fires...the Marble Creek, Breezy Crater, and the Pretty fires. This complex of fires burned 4,695 acres.
• Wildfire and Damaging Winds in Idaho, August 11, 201552 kt wind · 3 eventsSevere thunderstorms continued across parts of Southwest Idaho on the 11th.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 12 to 31, 20151 eventDue to the severity of the situation of the Canyon Creek Complex, the Conflagration Act has been enacted and the U.S. Forest Service is receiving assistance from various agencies.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 12 to 31, 20151 eventThe County line 2 fire, started on Wednesday the 12th, in the afternoon. It started along Hwy 26, with multiple starts, on both sides of the Highway.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 12 to 20, 20155 eventsSeveral large wildfires broke out from August 12 through the 16th. As the rains ended in early July, hardly any rain fell through mid August. Plenty of the vegetation that blossomed from the wet spring, quickly dried, and fueled the wildfires.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 13 to 31, 20152 eventsThis human cause wildfire burned 218,138 acres and cost over $44 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 13 to 31, 20152 eventsThis complex of lightning caused wildfires originated on Thursday August 13,2015. It has burned 15,744 acres.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 13 to 14, 20151 eventMany fires burned in Baker County on the 13th through the 14th and were started by lightning.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 13 to 31, 20151 eventThe Grizzly Bear Complex is in Washington and is comprised of thirteen lightning fires burning in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness near Twin Buttes Trail, Grizzly Bear Ridge and north of the Washington/Oregon Border.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 13 to 31, 20151 eventThe Grizzly Bear Complex is in Washington and is comprised of thirteen lightning fires burning in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness near Twin Buttes Trail, Grizzly Bear Ridge and north of the Washington/Oregon Border.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 14 to 20, 20151 eventThe West Fire burned 3000 acres in Val Verde County. The fire started on August 14 and was 100% contained on August 20. One structure was threatened by the fire and was saved.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 14 to 31, 20154 eventsThis complex of wildfires ignition cause remains undetermined. The complex of wildfires originated Friday August 14,2015 and burned over 88,985 acres and cost over $21 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 14 to 31, 20153 eventsThis complex of lightning caused wildfires which started Friday August 14th and have burned 133,707 acres as of September 20th. This complex included the Twisp river fire which resulted in 3 firefighter fatalities on August 19,2015.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 14 to 31, 20151 eventThis human caused wildfire burned 63,972 acres and cost over $22 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 14 to 31, 20151 eventThe Colville complex of wildfires consisted of three fires. Those three fires were the Marble Valley, Graves Mountain, and the Gold Hill Fire. Those fires burned 11,522 acres and cost well over one million dollars to contain/suppress.
• Debris Flow and Dust Storm in Washington, August 14 to 15, 20152 eventsA strong cold front passage on Friday August 14th brought windy conditions and resulted in substantial blowing dust.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 14 to 17, 20151 eventThe 900 fire began August 14th due to lightning strikes and burned 2,245 acres of grass and brush. It was located approximately 7 miles south of Shoshone and closed US route 93 to motorists for a lengthy period of time. Traffic backups were up to a mile on the 14th.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, August 14 to 15, 20151 eventA fire charred 100 acres of brush above golf courses and homes in Kaanapali in West Maui. The fire, fortunately, did not burn near any structures or roadways. The firefighters had some difficulty in battling the blaze since it was in an inaccessible area.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 18 to 31, 20151 eventThis complex of lightning caused wildfires burned 26,068 acres and cots over $25 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 19 to 25, 20153 eventsSeveral large wildfires broke out from August 19 through the 22nd. As the rains ended in early July, hardly any rain fell through late August. Plenty of the vegetation that blossomed from the wet spring, quickly dried, and fueled the wildfires.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Washington, August 21, 201552 kt wind · 3 eventsA strong cold front passage on Friday August 21st brought windy conditions and resulted in substantial blowing dust.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 23 to 27, 20151 eventThe MK Fire burned 1300 acres in Kerr County. The fire started on August 23 and was 100% contained on August 27. Eight homes were threatened by the fire and were all saved.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 24 to 31, 20151 eventA wildfire that grew to 10,451 acres started on August 24th due to a lightning strike. The fire was located about 17 miles west of Challis.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 26 to 31, 20155 eventsSeveral large wildfires broke out from August 24 through the 28th. As the rains ended in early July, hardly any rain fell through late August. Plenty of the vegetation that blossomed from the wet spring, quickly dried, and fueled the wildfires.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Alaska, August 27 to 31, 201565 kt wind · 3 eventsLow pressure caused unseasonably strong gap winds throughout Southcentral Alaska. Due to the unseasonable nature, core partners agreed that there was a concern for impacts with leaves still on the trees.
• Wildfire in Montana, August 28 to 29, 2015$10,000 · 1 eventAn approaching cold front brought hot, dry and breezy conditions to the fire on August 28th and 29th. The cold front eventually moved through during the afternoon of August 29th and brought gusty winds to the wildfire.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 1 to 19, 20154 eventsThis complex of wildfires ignition cause remains undetermined. The complex of wildfires originated Friday August 14,2015 and burned over 88,985 acres and cost over $21 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 1 to 20, 20153 eventsThis complex of lightning caused wildfires which started Friday August 14th and have burned 133,707 acres as of September 20th. This complex included the Twisp river fire which resulted in 3 firefighter fatalities on August 19,2015.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 1 to 20, 20152 eventsThis human cause wildfire burned 218,138 acres and cost over $44 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Idaho, September 1 to 30, 20152 eventsThis complex of lightning caused wildfires originated on Thursday August 13,2015. It has burned 15,744 acres.
• Wildfire in Idaho, September 1 to 7, 20152 eventsThis complex of lightning caused wildfires near Kamiah, Idaho burned over 70,000 acres. Fires included in the Clearwater-Municipal Complex include: |Lawyer 2 at 41,195 acres, Municipal at 1,770 acres, Fisher at 18,889 acres, Lolo 2 at 6,200 acres, and Old Greer at 73 acres.
• Wildfire in California, September 1 to 30, 20152 eventsThe Rough Fire was started by lightning on July 31, 2015 in the Kings River Drainage, 5 miles north of Hume Lake and 2.5 miles southwest of Spanish Mountain. The fire burned actively through August and September. As of September 30, it had burned 151,623 acres.
• Wildfire in Oregon, September 1 to 3, 20151 eventThe County line 2 fire, started on Wednesday the 12th, in the afternoon. It started along Hwy 26, with multiple starts, on both sides of the Highway.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 1 to 15, 20151 eventFirefighters continue to focus on mop-up and suppression repair on all divisions of the fire today. The warmer weather is aiding firefighters in locating and extinguishing hot spots within the containment lines, reducing any threat to the line.
• Wildfire in Oregon, September 1 to 30, 20151 eventThe Grizzly Bear Complex. is burning on the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, Umatilla National Forest, and state and private forest land protected by the Washington Department of Natural Resources and Oregon Department of Forestry.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 1 to 30, 20151 eventThe Grizzly Bear Complex. is burning on the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, Umatilla National Forest, and state and private forest land protected by the Washington Department of Natural Resources and Oregon Department of Forestry.
• Wildfire in Oregon, September 1 to 30, 20151 eventLEVEL 2 EVACUATION NOTICE REDUCED TO LEVEL 1 BY THE GRANT COUNTY SHERRIFF S OFFICE: Residents in the following area of Dog Creek Road are affected; 2 miles South of Hwy 26 to the Northern fire perimeter, West of Dissel Creek, East of Little Dog Creek.
• Wildfire in Idaho, September 1 to 30, 20151 eventThis complex of lightning caused wildfires was composed of four separate fires...the Marble Creek, Breezy Crater, and the Pretty fires. This complex of fires burned 4,695 acres.
• Wildfire in Idaho, September 1 to 30, 20151 eventThe Grizzly Complex consists of several lightning-caused fires that were started during lightning storms on August 10 and August 22, 2015.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 1 to 20, 20151 eventThis complex of lightning caused wildfires burned 76,512 acres and cost over $37 million to suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 1 to 30, 20151 eventThis lightning caused complex of wildfires burned 65,587 acres and cost over $34 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 1 to 20, 20151 eventThis human caused wildfire burned 63,972 acres and cost over $22 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 1 to 30, 20151 eventThis complex of lightning caused wildfires burned 26,068 acres and cots over $25 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 1 to 30, 20151 eventThe Colville complex of wildfires consisted of three fires. Those three fires were the Marble Valley, Graves Mountain, and the Gold Hill Fire. Those fires burned 11,522 acres and cost well over one million dollars to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Oregon, September 1 to 22, 20151 eventThe National Creek Complex wildfire consisted of two fires (the National Fire and the Crescent Fire) initiated by dry lightning at around 1315 PST on 08/01/2015. As of the last report at 0330 PDT on 09/23/2015, the fire covered 20945 acres and was 90% contained.
• Wildfire in Oregon, September 1 to 8, 20151 eventThe Stouts Wildfire was started by someone mowing dry grass at around 1200 PST on 07/30/2015. As of the last report on 0330 PST on 09/08/2015, the fire covered 26452 acres and was 98 percent contained. 38.3 million dollars had been spent on firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Oregon, September 1 to 8, 20151 eventThe Collier Butte Wildfire was started by lightning at around 1400 PST on 08/02/2015. As of the last report at 0330 PST on 09/08/2015, the fire covered 11800 acres and was 70 percent contained. 11.2 million dollars had been spent on firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Texas, September 2 to 3, 20151 eventA very dry and hot summer with very little precipitation and abundant fuels from the spring continued to result in ideal conditions for wildfires across portions of West Central Texas.
• Wildfire in Idaho, September 4 to 18, 20151 eventA fire near Island Park began with a lightning stirke on September 4th and continued through September 17th and grew to 553 acres. Several forest service roads were closed due to the fire but it was in open country and threatened no property and was allowed to burn.
• Wildfire in Texas, September 6 to 8, 2015$5,000 · 2 eventsDry vegetation resulting from summer drought across north and central Texas led to a few grass fires across the region.
• Wildfire in New Jersey, September 7 to 9, 20152 eventsA wildfire consumed 1,012 acres of woodland along the Burlington and Ocean County borders from September 7th through the 9th. The wildfire coincided with the last run of 90 degree weather in the state for the year.
• Wildfire in California, September 7 to 16, 20151 eventThe Tenaya fire began on the evening of September 7, 2015, in Yosemite National Park, approximately 2 miles north of Yosemite Valley. The cause is under investigation. The fire burned 415 acres before being contained on September 16. There were no structures lost.
• Wildfire in California, September 9 to 30, 20156 deaths · 5 injured · 2 eventsExtreme fire behavior with winds and very dry fuels combining to enhance rapidly moving fires which destroyed hundreds of homes and caused multiple deaths in the Valley and Butte Fires.
• Wildfire in Texas, September 13 to 16, 20151 eventThe Boyd wildfire started September 13 one mile north of Natalia. The fire burned 375 acres and threatened 40 homes. All of the homes were saved and the fire was 100% contained on September 16.
• Wildfire in Montana, September 19 to 20, 20151 eventA wildfire occurred just west of Columbus roughly around noon on Saturday, September 19th. Multiple resources that helped fight the fire were the Columbus, Park City, Nye and Absarokee Fire Departments, as well as the Carbon and Sweet Grass County DNRC.
• Wildfire in Texas, September 26 to 30, 20152 eventsA very dry and hot summer with very little precipitation and abundant fuels from the spring continued to result in ideal conditions for wildfires across portions of West Central Texas. Two large wildfires developed in Sutton and Coleman Counties.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, September 28 to 30, 20151 eventThe Crooked Creek Fire erupted around 1245MST on Monday, September 28, and quickly grew to over 300 acres by days end.
• Wildfire in Texas, September 28 to 30, 2015$10,000 · 1 eventAt the end of the month of September, most of north and central Texas were under dry conditions. Around the 28th and 29th, windy conditions helped spread grass fires across the area.
• Wildfire in Idaho, October 1 to 5, 20152 eventsThis complex of lightning caused wildfires originated on Thursday August 13,2015. It has burned 15,744 acres.
• Wildfire in Idaho, October 1 to 7, 20151 eventThe Grizzly Complex consists of several lightning-caused fires that were started during lightning storms on August 10 and August 22, 2015.
• Wildfire in Oregon, October 1 to 31, 20151 eventIncident continued through the October month. It became contained and controlled on November 5, 2015 at 1045.
• Wildfire in Oregon, October 1 to 21, 20151 eventThe Grizzly Bear Complex. is burning on the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, Umatilla National Forest, and state and private forest land protected by the Washington Department of Natural Resources and Oregon Department of Forestry.
• Wildfire in Washington, October 1 to 21, 20151 eventThe Grizzly Bear Complex. is burning on the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, Umatilla National Forest, and state and private forest land protected by the Washington Department of Natural Resources and Oregon Department of Forestry.
• Wildfire in Idaho, October 1 to 8, 20151 eventThis complex of lightning caused wildfires was composed of four separate fires...the Marble Creek, Breezy Crater, and the Pretty fires. This complex of fires burned 4,695 acres.
• Wildfire in Washington, October 1 to 15, 20151 eventThis lightning caused complex of wildfires burned 65,587 acres and cost over $34 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, October 1 to 7, 20151 eventThis complex of lightning caused wildfires burned 26,068 acres and cots over $25 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Texas, October 6 to 7, 20151 eventThe Mertz wildfire burned many acres in extreme Western Schleicher County. A long period of dry hot weather and abundant fuels created the ideal conditions for this wildfire.
• Wildfire and High Wind in North Dakota, October 11 to 12, 2015$750,000 · 65 kt wind · 37 eventsDeep low pressure moved across southern Canada sweeping a strong cold front through the region. Strong west to northwest winds developed in the afternoon of October 11 along and behind the front.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, October 11 to 16, 20152 injured · $5.0 million · 1 eventThe Cole Creek Wildfire spread rapidly in windy, dry, and warm conditions on Sunday, October 11. The fire carried quickly through grassy fuels and caused the evacuation of several neighborhoods in the vicinity of Coal Creek Road northeast of Casper.
• Wildfire in Illinois, October 12 to 13, 20151 eventFollowing dry weather of nearly one month, a period of rather widespread and above normal occurrence of agricultural wildfires corresponded to the period of Fall harvest.
• Wildfire in Missouri, October 12, 20151 eventFollowing dry weather of nearly one month, a period of rather widespread and above normal occurrence of agricultural wildfires corresponded to the period of Fall harvest.
• Wildfire in Iowa, October 12, 20151 eventFollowing dry weather of nearly one month, a period of rather widespread and above normal occurrence of agricultural wildfires corresponded to the period of Fall harvest.
• Wildfire in Louisiana, October 12 to 15, 2015$175,000 · 2 eventsWith D4 Exceptional Drought conditions ongoing across Bienville Parish during the middle of October, the wildfire danger was very high. An isolated thunderstorm moved across the area on the evening of Monday, October 12th between 9 and 10 pm.
• Wildfire in Texas, October 13 to 24, 20151 eventThe Hidden Pines wildfire started on October 13 near Buescher State Park north of Smithville. The fire eventually consumed 4,582 acres before being contained on October 24.
• Wildfire in Texas, October 14 to 19, 20153 eventsA long period of dry hot weather and abundant fuels created the conditions for three large wildfires.
• Wildfire in Texas, October 14 to 23, 2015$50,000 · 3 eventsDry weather in the middle part of the month of October allowed for conditions to be ripe for wildfires to begin. Several fires occurred in the western half of north Texas.
• Wildfire in Louisiana, October 15 to 16, 2015$400,000 · 1 eventWith D4 Exceptional Drought conditions ongoing across Red River Parish during the middle of October, the wildfire danger was very high. A wildfire began in the Martin Community during the afternoon of October 15th and quickly spread to near 500 acres.
• Wildfire in Alabama, October 16 to 29, 20151 eventDry and warm conditions with no precipitation and daytime high temperatures in the 80s preceded a dry cold front that crossed north Alabama on October 16th.
• Debris Flow and Heavy Rain in California, October 17 to 18, 2015$100,000 · 4 eventsLocally heavy rain from thunderstorms brought low debris and local mudslides to the Butte Fire burn area. Ponding of water on roadways and reduced visibility from heavy rain caused travel difficulties on mountain and foothill roads such as Highways 4, 88 and 50.
• Wildfire in Louisiana, October 17, 20151 eventWith D4 Exceptional Drought conditions ongoing across Natchitoches Parish during the middle of October, the wildfire danger was very high. A downed powerline sparked a wildfire near the Red River/Natchitoches Parish line in the vicinity of Coffee Crossing Road.
• Wildfire in Texas, November 5, 20151 eventThe Gem City wildfire began around 1253CST in the northeastern Texas Panhandle about nine miles south southeast of Lake Marvin in southeastern Hemphill County or just east of Farm to Market Road 2654 and about one mile south of County Road S.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, November 11, 2015$550,000 · 4 eventsStrong westerly wind gusting up to 55 mph behind a pacific cold front, combined with unseasonably warm conditions and low relative humidity, promoted the rapid spread of wildfire across northeastern Oklahoma during the afternoon and evening hours of November 11th.
• Wildfire in Texas, November 20 to 21, 20151 eventThe Blue Northern wildfire began around 2243CST about nine miles west southwest of Skellytown Texas in Carson County. The wildfire consumed two thousand eight hundred and sixteen acres and was caused by downed power lines.

Every billion-dollar disasterEvery storm of 2015Tornadoes in 2015

NOAA NCEI, U.S. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters (2025), https://doi.org/10.25921/stkw-7w73, and the Storm Events Database for the episodes.