Western Wildfires

Losses, 2024 dollars

$2.4 billion

Losses at the time

$1.7 billion

Deaths

8

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.

• Wildfire in New Mexico, June 1 to 30, 2012$2.3 million · 1 eventBy the end of June, the Whitewater/Baldy Complex continued the record for the largest wildfire in New Mexico state history. The previous record was held by the Las Conchas wildfire of 2011 at just over 156,000 acres.
• Wildfire in Colorado, June 1 to 3, 20121 eventPersistent drought across southwest Colorado through the winter and spring months of early 2012, led to conditions favorable for large wildfire growth. On the afternoon of May 25th, a human caused fire started in the Paradox valley.
• Wildfire in Colorado, June 1 to 30, 20121 eventThe Little Sand wildfire was started by lightning northwest of Pagosa Springs in mid May. This fire continued to burn through May and eventually scorched 24,900 acres along the Piedra River and Weminuche valleys through mid July, before being considered fully contained.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, June 1 to 5, 20121 eventA blaze scorched about 200 acres of dry molasses grass and slash pine in a remote area of the Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve on the island of Kauai. The cause of the fire was unknown. It did not threaten any structures or rare tropical vegetation.
• Wildfire in California, June 1 to 15, 20121 eventThe George wildfire occurred in the Sequoia National Forest. The Ignition date was 6/1/12 at 1539 PDT. The cause was unknown. The location was 28 miles east of Porterville in Tulare County in the Southern Sierra. The size was 1707 acres. Containment was reached on 6/15/12.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, June 2, 20121 eventA wildfire 3 miles south of Little Rock in Pulaski County burned 134 acres of grasslands and 1 acre of woods on the 2nd.
• Wildfire in Georgia, June 4, 2012$500 · 1 eventThe typical pattern of afternoon summertime thunderstorms was in place, but due to the spotty nature of the rain, fuel moistures remained low.
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 4, 2012$50,000 · 1 eventThree fires which were all man made occurred in Bannock County. One was near the Power County border near West Siphon Road and started on a salvage yard and high winds pushed it through 20 acres of land burning cars, propane tanks.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, June 4 to 8, 20121 eventA fire burned around 1200 acres of dry brush in Waianae and Lualualei valleys in leeward Oahu. The blaze also destroyed a hale used as a classroom at Kaala Farms Cultural Center and a few orchid hothouses on Haleahi Road.
• Wildfire in New Mexico, June 4 to 22, 2012$26 million · 1 eventThis lightning sparked wildfire erupted on the afternoon of June 4, 2012 then spread rapidly overnight during strong gusty winds. The wildfire consumed more than 41,000 acres, destroyed 242 residential structures, 12 outbuildings, and forced numerous evacuations.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, June 7 to 8, 20121 eventAnother fire in leeward Oahu blackened 1000 acres of dry brush near Piliuka Place in Waianae. The blaze did not threaten property. There were no reports of serious injuries. The cause of the fire was unknown.
• Wildfire in Arizona, June 10 to 30, 20125 injured · 4 eventsMany locations across northern Arizona experienced a dry winter and a dry spring. This allowed for an active fire season as fuels were already below average at the beginning of the fire season.
• Wildfire in California, June 12 to 14, 20121 eventThe Gaines wildfire occurred in the CalFire Merced-Madera-Mariposa Unit. The ignition date was 6/12/12 at 1243 PDT. The cause was unknown. The location was in Catheys Valley, Mariposa County, in the Southern Sierra foothills. The size was 1667 acres.
• Wildfire in Washington, June 13 to 15, 20121 eventA mid-level cold front swept through the region ushering in drier air and tightening pressure gradients with frontal passage. Afternoon heating resulted in breezy conditions across the Moses Lake area as stronger winds aloft were mixed down to the surface.
• Wildfire in Arizona, June 16 to 20, 20121 eventA drier than average winter and spring contributed to a continued active fire season in mid June.
• Wildfire in California, June 16 to 18, 20121 eventThe Highland fire started around 1220 PST on the 16th, near the intersection of Potrero Road and Wolfskill Extension Truck Trail, near Beaumont. No structures or homes were threatened or evacuated. No injuries were reported.
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 17 to 19, 20121 eventA fire began 6 miles west of Shelley on June 17th and extremely strong winds through June 18th expanded it to 300 acres. The fire occurred in the lava fields without significant fuel and was 100 percent contained by the evening of the 19th.
• Wildfire in California, June 17 to 20, 2012$400,000 · 1 eventThe Old fire started around 1300 PST on the 17th, northeast of Campo off of Old Highway 80. Approximately 200 structures were threatened and evacuated. One residence and one RV were destroyed in the blaze.
• Wildfire in California, June 17 to 18, 20121 eventThe View fire started around 2015 PST on the 17th, at the intersection of Desert View and Cottonwood Roads, near the city of Cabazon. No structures or homes were damaged or destroyed. No injuries were reported.
• Wildfire in New Mexico, June 18 to 19, 2012$1.0 million · 1 eventA wildfire burned out of control 10 miles east of Bloomfield consuming more than 350 acres.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, June 18 to 30, 20121 eventA fire blackened 4900 acres of dry brush, and macadamia and coffee farm lands, near Pahala in the Kau District on the Big Island of Hawaii. The fire forced the evacuation of Kau Hospital.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, June 19 to 27, 20121 eventThe Shelterwood 149 Fire burned 685 acres in the Ouachita National Forest. This fire was located in Montgomery County, in the Government Hill area about 2.75 miles north- northeast of Sims. The origin of the fire was determined to be lightning. No structures were lost.
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 19 to 20, 20121 eventA 50 acre wildfire began just east of exit 80 off of interstate 15 near Fort Hall on June 19th. The fire began at 6 pm EDT and threatened homes and area structires. the fire was contained at 8 pm and was in total control by June 20th.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, June 20, 20121 injured · 1 eventA wildfire at Holland in Faulkner County burned only 10 acres but destroyed two homes and two outbuildings. The fire threatened an additional 10 homes and 13 outbuildings. Six fire departments and the Arkansas Forestry Commission fought the blaze. One firefighter was injured.
• Wildfire in New Mexico, June 20 to 21, 20121 eventA human caused wildfire broke out on the west side of the Rio Grande River near Corrales and spread quickly to the east side of the river. This fire consumed nearly 300 acres however no structures were lost.
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 20 to 22, 20121 eventA one-hundred acre fire developed 16 miles east of Blackfoot June 20th.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Utah, June 21 to 30, 20121 death · 6 injured · $490,000 · 52 kt wind · 8 eventsWith very dry fuels, a very dry air mass, and an increasing southwesterly flow as a low pressure system remained near the Pacific Coast, conditions across Utah became perfect for explosive fire growth.
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 21 to 22, 20121 eventA 385 acre fire developed just east of Dubois on June 21st. It was under control by the afternoon of June 22nd.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, June 22 to 23, 2012$50,000 · 1 eventA wildfire, which began as a controlled burn to burn off a wheat field on June 22rd was believed to be extinguished later that day. Burning embers took off with increased winds and lower humidity and the fire quickly rekindled on June 23rd.
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 22 to 23, 20121 eventA 200 acre fire developed 11 miles northeast of Preston on June 22nd. It was human caused and was contained by by June 23rd.
• Wildfire in Georgia, June 22 to 28, 2012$3,000 · 1 eventA weak surface trough moved into north Georgia on the 22nd, and provided a focus for afternoon showers and thunderstorms to develop.
• Wildfire in Colorado, June 22 to 30, 2012$40,000 · 2 eventsThe Weber wildfire started June 22nd at approximately 6 pm, 6 miles south of Mancos and was determined to be human caused. Several areas within or near the fire perimeter were evacuated and numerous road closures were necessary.
• Wildfire in Colorado, June 23 to 30, 20121 eventThe Treasure Wildfire started around 11 a.m. MDT on June 23rd. It occurred around 5 miles northeast of Leadville east on State Highway 91 above 10,000 feet. At its peak, 118 personnel were on the wildfire, which burns 420 acres of spruce, fir, and lodge pole pine.
• Wildfire in Colorado, June 23 to 30, 20122 deaths · $400 million · 2 eventsA wildfire erupted in Waldo Canyon, west of Colorado Springs midday June 23rd and was not contained until July 10th. The fire consumed 18,247 acres, most of which was in National Forest land.
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 23 to 24, 20121 eventAn 88 acre wildfire began on June 23rd 11 miles east of Blackfoot. The fire was contained by the evening of June 24th.
• Wildfire in Maryland, June 24 to 25, 20121 injured · 1 eventA seven alarm wildfire consumed about 50 acres of brush and forest and threatened several dozens of homes on Kent Island in Queen Annes County on the 24th. The wildfire started before 8 a.m. EDT on the 24th.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, June 24 to 30, 20121 eventThe Fontenelle wildfire began on Sunday, June 24 approximately 33 miles northwest of LaBarge in the Wyoming Range on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. An extremely dry spring contributed to the conditions that led to the fire's ignition.
• Wildfire in Montana, June 25 to 30, 20123 eventsDry conditions and high temperatures resulted in the wildfire season beginning earlier than normal. June and July brought above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. High temperatures during these months ranged from the upper 80s to lower 100s.
• Wildfire in Arizona, June 25 to 30, 20122 eventsA drier than average winter and spring contributed to a continued active fire season in late June.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, June 25 to 30, 20121 eventA fire burned more than 650 acres of dry brush and eucalyptus in an area one mile west of Waimea Canyon State Park on Kauai. Many of the eucalyptus trees caught in the fire were 80 to 120 feet tall. The blaze was hard to fight because it was in a remote location.
• Wildfire in Illinois, June 25 to 29, 20125 injured · $5,000 · 2 eventsThe prolonged drought and hot, dry weather contributed to a large wildfire in Saline County. About 100 acres was involved in the fire that occurred in thick brush near Carrier Mills. The fire occurred in hilly terrain on mine property.
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 25, 2012$20,000 · 1 eventA wildfire began about 2 pm MDT 3 miles south of Firth on June 25th. It only covered a few acres but destroyed a barn in it's path. It was a grass fire and the estimated damage was $20,000.
• Wildfire in Montana, June 25 to 30, 20121 eventA human-caused fire began to burn Monday June 25, 2012 in the Scratchgravel hills in the West Central portion of the Helena Valley. Over 1,850 acres burned before the fire was brought under 100% containment.
• Wildfire in Montana, June 26 to 30, 20121 eventThe Dahl Fire was a lightning caused fire and was first reported at 1245pm on Tuesday, June 26th. The fire was fueled by high temperatures, low relative humidities and gusty winds. The fuels consisted of grass, sage and timber (ponderosa pine).
• Wildfire in Kansas, June 26 to 27, 2012$90,000 · 1 eventDowned power lines from gusty wind helped ignite a wildfire that moved across parts of Lane county.
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 26 to 27, 20121 eventA wildfire began June 26th 3 miles north of Malad City and burned 351 acres.
• Wildfire in Arizona, June 27 to 30, 2012$22,000 · 1 eventThe Black Rock Fire burned a total of 18,300 acres in June and July. The Truxton Canyon RAWS was destroyed on June 28th.
• Wildfire in Utah, June 27 to 30, 20125 injured · $1.5 million · 4 eventsDry conditions persisted across Utah through the end of June. This led to several more wildfire ignitions at the end of the month, some of which caused property damage or injuries. Note that most of these fires continued into July.
• Wildfire in Colorado, June 27 to 30, 20122 eventsThe Pine Ridge wildfire started on the afternoon of June 27th by lightning above the Book Cliffs, approximately 10 miles northeast of Grand Junction. The fire burned nearly 14,000 acres from late June to early July on both public and private lands.
• Wildfire in Kentucky, June 28, 20121 injured · 2 eventsThe prolonged drought and hot, dry weather contributed to a large wildfire in Christian County. Almost 100 acres was involved in the fire that jumped the Pennyrile Parkway near Crofton.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, June 28, 20122 injured · 1 eventAn attempt to burn a pile of bamboo led to a 5 acre wildfire at East End in Saline County on the 28th. Seven fire departments fought the blaze. Two firefighters suffered heat exhaustion.
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 28 to 30, 2012$472 million · 1 eventA 1038 acre wildfire began at about 2:30 PM on June 28th in the Charlotte Road area of Mink Creek just south of Pocatello. About one-thousand people were evacuated from their homes.
• Wildfire in Texas, June 28 to 29, 2012$5,000 · 1 eventA 200 acre grass fire in Forney in Hunt County burned about 50 bales of hay.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, June 29, 20122 eventsThe Amity Fire occurred on the 4th 6.2 miles northeast of Amity in Clark County and then spread into Hot Spring County. Altogether, 350 acres burned. A number of fire departments, the Arkansas Forestry Commission, and the U.S.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, June 29, 20121 eventThe Gurdon 1 Fire near Gurdon in Clark County burned 160 acres on the 29th. Four fire departments and the Arkansas Forestry Commission fought the fire.
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 29, 20121 eventA planned controlled burn blew out of control on June 29th. The planned burn of 180 acries ended up burning 1100 acres near the town of Bancroft in Caribou County.
• Wildfire in Utah, June 29 to 30, 2012$5,000 · 1 eventThe Wolf Den wildfire was started by lightning on the afternoon of June 29th in a remote part of the Tavaputs plateau. This fire continued to burn through much of July before full containment on July 25th.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, June 30, 20121 eventThe Springlake Road Fire 4 miles east of East End in Saline County burned 100 acres on the 30th. Sixty people were evacuated at the height of the fire, but the fire was stopped before any structures burned.
• Wildfire in Georgia, June 30, 2012$5,000 · 1 eventExtreme heat event was well in place beginning on the 30th. Surface mixing provided sufficient dry air at the surface for critical relative humidity values to be reached, with dangerous fire weather conditions in place across the area.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, June 30, 20123 injured · 2 eventsThe Clinton Fire began near Cleveland in Conway County and eventually spread into Van Buren County. The fire burned 110 acres. Three firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion. At least five fire departments and the Arkansas Forestry Commission fought the fire.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, June 30, 20121 eventA mid-day thunderstorm produced dry lightning and ignited a wildfire called the Camp 5 Fire approximately 22 miles southeast of Halsey at the National Forest on June 30th. The fire burned 1,043 acres of National forest grasslands and timbers.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, July 1 to 4, 20121 eventA mid-day thunderstorm produced dry lightning and ignited a wildfire called the Camp 5 Fire approximately 22 miles southeast of Halsey at the National Forest on June 30th. The fire burned 1,043 acres of National forest grasslands and timbers.
• Wildfire in Utah, July 1 to 21, 20129 injured · $13 million · 8 eventsMany of the wildfires that began in late June continued into July, burning thousands of acres and causing millions of dollars in damage. Note that this episode began in June.
• Wildfire in Colorado, July 1 to 10, 2012$400 million · 2 eventsThe Waldo Canyon wildfire was fully contained on July 10th. See previous month for a full narrative of this episode.
• Wildfire in Colorado, July 1 to 6, 2012$40,000 · 2 eventsThe Weber wildfire started June 22 at approximately 4:15 pm, 6 miles south of Mancos and was determined to be human caused. Several areas within or near the fire perimeter were evacuated and numerous road closures were necessary.
• Wildfire in Montana, July 1 to 10, 20123 eventsDry conditions and high temperatures resulted in the wildfire season beginning earlier than normal. June and July brought above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. High temperatures during these months ranged from the upper 80s to lower 100s.
• Wildfire in Colorado, July 1 to 4, 20122 eventsThe Pine Ridge wildfire started on the afternoon of June 27th by lightning above the Book Cliffs, approximately 10 miles northeast of Grand Junction. The fire burned nearly 14,000 acres from late June to early July on both public and private lands.
• Wildfire in Arizona, July 1 to 6, 20121 eventThe Black Rock Fire burned a total of 18,300 acres in June and July. The Truxton Canyon RAWS was destroyed on June 28th.
• Wildfire in Montana, July 1 to 3, 20121 eventThe Dahl Fire was a lightning caused fire and was first reported at 1245pm on Tuesday, June 26th. The fire was fueled by high temperatures, low relative humidities and gusty winds. The fuels consisted of grass, sage and timber (ponderosa pine).
• Wildfire in New Mexico, July 1 to 12, 20121 eventThe Whitewater/Baldy Complex Fire, the largest wildfire in New Mexico state history as of this writing, was fully contained in mid-July after scorching 297,845 acres. Previously, the Las Conchas wildfire of 2011 at just over 156,000 acres, was the state's largest.
• Wildfire in Utah, July 1 to 25, 2012$5,000 · 1 eventThe Wolf Den wildfire was started by lightning on the afternoon of June 29th in a remote part of the Tavaputs plateau. This fire continued to burn through much of July before full containment on July 25th.
• Wildfire in Colorado, July 1 to 27, 20121 eventThe Little Sand wildfire was started by lightning northwest of Pagosa Springs in mid May.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, July 1 to 31, 20121 eventThe Fontenelle Wildfire continued to burn through the month of July, but the most active fire behavior slowed by Friday, July 13. The fire was subsequently allowed to burn within its perimeter until a season ending precipitation event.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, July 1, 2012$112,000 · 1 eventA fire blackened 300 acres of dry brush, and macadamia and coffee farm lands, near Pahala in the Kau District on the Big Island of Hawaii. This episode was a continuation of a blaze that began on June 18.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, July 1 to 4, 20121 eventA fire burned about 10 acres of dry brush and eucalyptus in an area one mile west of Waimea Canyon State Park on Kauai. This episode is a continuation of a fire that began on June 25.
• Wildfire in Georgia, July 1 to 7, 2012$25,000 · 1 eventThe extreme heat event continued across the area on the 1st. Isolated showers and thunderstorms developed in the afternoon, especially across portions of east central Georgia where a surface trough and resulting greatest instability were in place.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 1, 20121 injured · 1 eventThe Social Hill Fire 4 miles north of Midway in Hot Spring County burned 115 acres on the 1st. One camper at a deer camp burned. One firefighter was treated for heat-related injuries.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 1, 20121 eventThe Gurdon 2 Fire about 6 miles east of Gurdon in Clark County burned 200 acres on the 1st. Two fire departments and the Arkansas Forestry Commission fought the fire.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 1 to 3, 20121 eventThe Hog Thief Fire 2.4 miles southeast of Magazine in Logan County began on the 1st and was controlled on the 3rd. Altogether, 293 acres burned. Fifteen homes were evacuated as a precaution but the homes were not damaged.
• Wildfire in Georgia, July 2 to 8, 2012$15,000 · 1 eventThe extreme heat event began to subside somewhat on the 2nd as the upper ridge began to weaken, but hot conditions continued. Scattered showers and thunderstorms again developed across the area, but mainly across east central Georgia where a surface trough lingered.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 3, 20121 eventThe Mount Vernon Fire 1/4 mile southwest of Mount Vernon in Faulkner County burned 109 acres on the 3rd. About 12 homes were evacuated. A natural gas well was close-by and was shut down.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 3, 20121 eventThe Bald Knob Fire 4.5 miles southeast of Bald Knob in White County burned 140 acres on the 3rd.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 3 to 4, 20121 eventThe Pea Ridge Fire 6 miles north of Atkins in Pope County burned 471 acres on the 3rd and 4th. One hundred forty-four homes were evacuated. Six fire departments, Deltic Timber Co., Southwestern Energy Co., the Arkansas Forestry Commission, and the U.S.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 4, 20121 eventThe Leola Fire about 5 miles southwest of Leola in Dallas County burned 200 acres on the 4th.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 4, 20121 eventThe DeGray Fire 8 miles northwest of Caddo Valley in Clark County burned 100 acres on the 4th. Several fire departments, the Arkansas Forestry Commission, the the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers fought the fire.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 4 to 5, 2012$25,000 · 1 eventExtreme temperatures and drought conditions promoted the spread of a wildfire that burned 250 acres, threatening 10 homes and 4 outbuildings.
• Wildfire in Missouri, July 4 to 6, 2012$25,000 · 2 eventsExtremely dry conditions and drought conditions helped with the development and spread of multiple wildfires.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 4, 20121 eventA wildfire in the Mountain Springs area of northwest Lonoke County burned 4 acres on the 4th. A mobile home, two barns, and several vehicles were destroyed. Investigators indicated that the use of fireworks caused the fire.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 4, 20121 eventThe Dallas 330 Fire about 6 miles southwest of Leola in Dallas County burned 115 acres on the 4th.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, July 4 to 5, 20121 eventA fire scorched 430 acres of dry brush just north of Hina Lani Street in Kailua-Kona on the lee side of the Big Island of Hawaii. No significant injuries or property damage were reported. The cause of the blaze was under investigation. The cost of any damages was not available.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 5 to 16, 20121 eventThe Bee Ridge Fire about 5 miles northeast of Ozone in Johnson County began on the 5th and eventually burned 189 acres in the Ozark National Forest.
• Wildfire in New Jersey, July 5 to 6, 20122 eventsA wildfire began during the afternoon of the 5th and before it was contained on the evening of the 6th scorched about 300 acres along the Camden and Burlington County line in the Wharton State Forest in Waterford and Shamong Townships.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 5 to 10, 20121 injured · 1 eventA wildfire which started on July 5th around 1330 PDT, burned 800 acres of medium fuels consisting of grass, light brush and pockets of trees roughly eight miles northwest of Entiat, Washington.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 6 to 7, 20121 eventThe Hudson Springs Fire near Clarksville in Johnson County on the 6th and 7th burned 91 acres. About 40 homes were evacuated during the fire. One mobile home was destroyed. The cause of the fire was a faulty air conditioning unit in the mobile home.
• Wildfire in Oregon, July 9 to 10, 20121 eventThe Long Draw Fire closed U.S. Highway 95 from July 9th through the 10th.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 10 to 17, 2012$10,000 · 2 eventsHigh pressure over the region resulted in an extended period of hot, dry conditions over central Washington. This allowed fine fuels to cure over the Waterville Plateau fostering in the beginning of the fire weather season across the area.
• Wildfire in Idaho, July 10 to 15, 20121 eventLightning started an 8 thousand acre fire 11 miles west of Springfield on July 10th. The fire continued on open land and did not threaten any structures.
• Wildfire in Idaho, July 10 to 16, 20121 eventLightning started a 9 thousand acre fire 4 miles southwest of Atomic City on July 10th. This fire damaged no buildings or structures.
• Wildfire in Arizona, July 11 to 23, 2012$25,000 · 1 eventLightning ignited a total of 16 fires in northwest Arizona and southern Nevada.
• Wildfire in Idaho, July 11 to 16, 20121 eventLightning began an 800 acre fire 23 miles southwest of Pocatello on July 11th. The fire grew to 8000 acres before being contained. Power County officials closed Knox and Big Canyon Roads on July 12th to keep traffic away from the flames. No structures were damaged.
• Wildfire in Idaho, July 11 to 15, 20121 eventLightning started the Rooster Rock Fire on July 11th. The fire consumed 2500 acres about 15 miles southwest of Pocatello. It did threaten two structures but did no damage prior to containment.
• Wildfire in Idaho, July 11 to 15, 20121 eventLightning started a 1200 acre fire 4 miles southeast of Atomic City. It was contained on open land with no damage.
• Wildfire in Montana, July 12 to 31, 20121 eventThe Elbow Pass Complex is comprised of five different lightning ignitions from July 12 through July 31. These fires have merged into one fire, the Elbow Pass Complex: Triple Divide Fire, Rapid Creek Fire, Elbow Pass Fire, and Bar Creek Fire.
• Wildfire in Utah, July 12 to 27, 2012$50,000 · 1 eventThe Baboon Fire began on July 12th in southwest Utah, and burned for about half of the month. The fire was named after nearby Baboon Peak. This fire caused evacuations and destroyed a couple of buildings before it became fully contained.
• Debris Flow and Hail in Washington, July 12 to 14, 20121.25 in hail · 6 eventsA slow moving upper level low pressure area combined with daytime heating and abundant moisture to produce locally severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, July 14 to 15, 20121 eventA fire of unknown origin blackened 500 acres of dry brush and grass in Kaena Point State Park in the northwest part of Oahu. The blaze came within 400 yards of the Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station, but it did not affect any of the facility's property or operations.
• Wildfire in Texas, July 14 to 17, 20121 eventLightning started a wildfire on the Padre Island National Seashore about 6 miles south of the Visitors Center on July 14th. The fire burned for over 2 days and consumed roughly 13000 acres. There were no structures lost or injuries reported.
• Wildfire in California, July 15 to 23, 20121 eventThe Woods Creek wildfire occurred in Sequoia/Kings Canyon NP. Ignition date was 7/15/12 at 0928 PDT. The cause was Unknown. The location was 8 miles ENE of Roads End in Cedar Grove (Fresno County). The size was 325 acres. Containment was reached on 7/23/12.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 15 to 17, 2012$1,000 · 1 eventA low pressure system moving into western Washington produced good low level moisture with cooling temperatures aloft. This set up a favorable environment for thunderstorm development over Douglas County as low levels destabilized with afternoon heating.
• Wildfire in Missouri, July 17 to 18, 2012$50,000 · 4 eventsExtremely dry conditions and drought conditions helped in the development of and spread of multiple wildfires across the Missouri Ozarks.
• Wildfire in California, July 17 to 19, 2012$200,000 · 1 eventThe Sand wildfire was manages by the Kern County Fire Department. Ignition date was 7/17/12 at 1254 PDT. It was caused by humans. The location was Highway 58 East of Tehachapi (Kern County). The size was 1428 acres. Containment was reached 7/19/12 at 1800 PDT.
• Wildfire in Colorado, July 17 to 24, 20121 eventThe Powell and Little Duck fires were ignited by lightning and burned 900 acres on public and private lands during the middle part of July.
• Debris Flow in Washington, July 17, 2012$100,000 · 1 eventAn upper-level low sagging down the Pacific Northwest Coastline was responsible for drawing moist, unstable air northward into Central Washington.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, July 20 to 30, 20124 injured · $3.0 million · 3 eventsHigh based thunderstorms moved southeast July 20th to produce dry lightning that ignited a wildfire. The drought conditions were extreme that allowed brittle grass and timbers to create rapid fire growth in northwest Brown County.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, July 21 to 25, 20121 eventExtreme temperatures and prolonged drought conditions contributed to the spread of a wildland fire north of Depew that consumed over 5600 acres.
• Wildfire in Texas, July 21, 20121 eventA large wildfire over the northeast Texas Panhandle resulted in no damage and no injuries or fatalities.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 22, 20121 eventThe Turkey Pen Hollow Fire 4.2 miles east of Pleasant Plains in Independence County burned 199 acres on the 22nd.
• Wildfire in Idaho, July 22 to 26, 20121 eventA 700 acre fire caused by lightning began on July 22nd and ocurred in between American Falls and Minidoka over open fields.
• Wildfire in Iowa, July 22, 20121 injured · $40,000 · 1 eventA large wildfire occurred near Osceola in Clarke County. Over 100 acres were burned with one firefighter injured. Areas burned included pasture, woodland areas, and corn crops. Fire departments were called from Warren, Clarke, and Madison Counties.
• Wildfire in Idaho, July 22 to 25, 20121 eventLightning started a 34,000 acre fire 10 miles southeast of Shoshone. It occurred in open land and no damage occurred to structures.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 25 to 28, 20121 eventThe Ola Fire began on the 25th 3 miles southeast of Ola in Yell County. The fire was contained on the 28th after destroying 1014 acres, a mobile home, a barn, several vehicles, and a major power transmission line. This was the largest wildfire so far this year in Arkansas.
• Wildfire in Missouri, July 25 to 31, 2012$310,000 · 4 eventsExtremely dry conditions worsened by the on going drought lead to multiple wildfires around the Missouri Ozarks.
• Wildfire and Hail in Kansas, July 25, 2012$3,000 · 1 in hail · 8 eventsLate on the afternoon of the 25th, a few severe thunderstorms hit parts of Central and South-Central Kansas with 60 mph winds that caused damage to a few trees and power poles.
• Wildfire and Damaging Winds in Texas, July 25 to 26, 201254 kt wind · 3 eventsScattered thunderstorms developed over the South Plains and Rolling Plains on the afternoon and evening of the 25th. A couple of these storms produced severe winds with gusts in excess of 60 mph. Additionally, lightning from one storm initiated a wildfire in Motley County.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, July 25 to 26, 20121 eventA blaze broke out over a 100-acre area of dry brush and grass in western Oahu, near a bus turn-around at Haleahi and Waianae Valley roads. Police evacuated several homes along Waianae Valley Road as a precaution. The exact cause of the fire was not reported.
• Wildfire in Montana, July 25 to 29, 20122 eventsThe Skibstad Wildfire started on the evening of July 25th and originated 8 miles southeast of Columbus near Highway 421 and grew to 3000 acres during the overnight hours. Officials believed the fire started when a fire in a building spread to the surrounding area.
• Wildfire in Illinois, July 27 to 28, 2012$2.1 million · 1 eventA wildfire burned 350 acres of grassland near Rochester in Sangamon County on July 27th. While the exact cause of the fire is unknown, it was likely aided by very dry conditions and northwesterly winds gusting to 25 mph.
• Wildfire in Idaho, July 27 to 31, 20121 eventLightning started a fire 7 miles northwest of Stanley on July 27th. By the end of the month the fire had grown to nearly 4,000 acres. Several hiking trails were closed becasue of the fire. The fire continued for multiple months eventually growing to well over 100,000 acres.
• Wildfire in Idaho, July 27 to 31, 20121 eventLightning caused a wildfire about 10 to 15 miles east of Blackfoot over open land. The fire eventually grew to 16,000 acres and continued to burn into August. The lightning struck on July 27th.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 28, 20121 eventThe Boulder Fire 0.5 mile south of Thida in Independence County burned 116 acres on the 28th.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 29 to 31, 20121 eventThe Mt. Riante Fire began on the 29th southwest of Lake Hamilton in Garland County. Several fire departments, the Arkansas Forestry Commission, and the U.S. Forest Service fought the fire. In addition, the Arkansas National Guard used Black Hawk helicopters to drop water.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, July 29, 2012$200,000 · 1 eventVery hot temperatures, low relative humidity values, and ongoing drought conditions promoted the rapid spread of a wildfire that consumed 350 acres. The fire burned 8 outbuildings and threatened 7 homes before it was controlled.
• Wildfire in Georgia, July 31, 2012$2,000 · 1 eventA weak stationary front was stretched across the area, with an upper trough along the Eastern Seaboard. Multiple shortwaves continued across the area.
• Wildfire in New York, July 31, 20121 eventThe dry weather was blamed for a wildfire that burned for several hours in the town of Adams in Jefferson County. It is unknown how the fire started around 1:30 p.m.
• Wildfire in Montana, July 31, 20121 eventMultiple lightning strikes during the late evening hours of the 31st resulted in the start of several wildfires.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, August 1 to 3, 20121 eventThe Mt. Riante Fire began on July 29th southwest of Lake Hamilton in Garland County. Several fire departments, the Arkansas Forestry Commission, and the U.S. Forest Service fought the fire. In addition, the Arkansas National Guard used Black Hawk helicopters to drop water.
• Wildfire in Montana, August 1 to 15, 20123 eventsNumerous lightning strikes during the late evening hours on July 31st resulted in several wildfire starts. These wildfires were Jupiter, Big John, Beaver, Chalky, Sun Dance, and the Dawes fires.
• Wildfire in Montana, August 1 to 8, 20121 eventMultiple lightning strikes during the late evening hours of July 31st resulted in the start of several wildfires.
• Wildfire in Montana, August 1 to 31, 20121 eventThe Elbow Pass Complex is comprised of five different lightning ignitions from July 12 through July 31. These fires have merged into one fire, the Elbow Pass Complex: Triple Divide Fire, Rapid Creek Fire, Elbow Pass Fire, and Bar Creek Fire.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 1 to 31, 20121 eventThe Halstead fire approximately 18 miles northwest of Stanley which began on July 27th grew to nearly 128,000 acres by the end of August.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 31, 20121 eventThe Cascade wildfire occurred in Yosemite NP. The ignition date was 6/15/12 at 1300 PDT. The cause was lightning. The location was in Yosemite Valley (Mariposa County). The size was 1115 acres. There were no fatalities and no structures lost. The cost to containment was $75,000.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 2, 20123 injured · $200,000 · 1 eventThe Volcano fire started around 1045 PST on the 1st, near the intersection of Tenaja Road and Via Volcano, in La Cresta (near Murrieta). Voluntary evacuations were in place for residents in the area at a local high school. One unidentified structure was destroyed.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 1 to 10, 2012$100,000 · 1 eventThe Crane Road Fire burned through 12,000 acres of sagebrush, grassland, and light timber in northern Douglas County, across the Columbia River from Brewster.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, August 1 to 6, 20121 eventThe Hess Knob Fire was started by lightning 5 miles northeast of Hagarville in Johnson County in the Ozark National Forest on the 1st and was contained on the 6th. Altogether, 1438 acres burned.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 2, 2012$15,000 · 1 eventA 250-acre grass fire between Keene and Cleburne burned 3 barns.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, August 2 to 3, 2012$400,000 · 3 eventsThursday evening high based thunderstorms produced lightning that ignited four wildfires in Keith County and one in Arthur County.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, August 3 to 8, 2012$55 million · 1 eventVery hot temperatures, low relative humidity, very dry fuels, and gusty wind resulted in the spread of two large wildfires in Creek County. One of the fires burned 58,500 acres near Mannford and the other burned about 6500 acres near Drumright.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, August 3 to 4, 20121 death · 9 eventsExtreme temperatures coupled with an low humidity, increased winds, and an ongoing drought led to several large wildfires across parts of Oklahoma. Some of the fires burned numerous structures.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 3, 20121 eventA large wildfire began around 1856 CST about seven miles west northwest of Lipscomb, Texas in Lipscomb County in the northeast Texas Panhandle. The wildfire was located just south of Duke Road between County Road 10 and County Road 11 and was caused by lightning.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 3 to 4, 20121 eventThe large wildfire south of Duke Road between County Road 10 and County Road 11, about six miles west northwest of Lipscomb Texas in Lipscomb county, rekindled around 2230CST.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, August 4 to 8, 20121 eventHot temperatures, low relative humidity, very dry fuels, and gusty wind promoted the spread of two large wildfires in Pittsburg County. Multiple state and local agencies responded to these fires, which consumed over 4000 acres and threatened homes.
• Wildfire in Missouri, August 4, 20121 eventExtremely dry vegetation caused by the drought conditions led to a rapidly spreading brushfire in Lawrence County.
• Wildfire in Colorado, August 4 to 9, 20121 eventThe Wolf wildfire was started by lightning 5 miles southeast of Elk Springs Colorado during the afternoon hours on August 4th. The fire persisted through August ninth and consumed 6100 acres of public and private land.
• Wildfire and Hail in Oregon, August 4 to 31, 2012$101,000 · 1 in hail · 10 eventsAn upper level disturbance moving across central Oregon into a hot and unstable atmosphere brought locally severe thunderstorms with large hail, heavy rainfall, and lightning that started wildfires.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, August 5 to 8, 20121 eventA wildfire began at Camp Robinson in Pulaski County on the 5th, having been caused by practice on the firing range. The fire was contained on the 5th, but rekindled on the 7th. A back burn was set to contain the fire. On the 8th, thunderstorms moved through, dousing the fire.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 5 to 9, 20121 eventThe Antoine 2 Wildfire burned 6,837 acres of grass, heavy sage, and timber across steep and rocky terrain seven miles north of Chelan, Washington near Wells Dam on the Columbia River in Chelan and Okanogan counties. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.
• Wildfire in Utah, August 5 to 12, 2012$215,000 · 1 eventThe Pinyon Fire was started by lightning on August 5th, and burned for a week. The fire started on the property of Army Garrison Camp Williams in Utah County, and primarily burned areas within that National Guard training site, but also threatened nearby neighborhoods.
• Wildfire in California, August 5 to 31, 20121 eventThe Fort Complex, made up of several fires, the largest and longest lasting of which was the Goff fire. The fires were started by lightning on 08/05/12, and the Goff fire was still burning and growing at the end of the month.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 5 to 16, 20121 eventLightning strikes started several fies on August 5th in what became known as the Minidoka Complex. The largest of these was the Cave Canyon Fire. The wildfire was about 15 miles southeast of Twin Falls and eventually grew to 88,909 acres.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 6 to 28, 20121 eventThe Barry Point wildfire was started by lightning on 08/06/12. It was contained by 08/28/12.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 7 to 21, 2012$2,000 · 3 eventsTwo large fires burned in Palo Pinto County during the first half of the month; very near and even over locations that were burned by the massive grass fires in 2011. The Rhodes Ranch II fire began on the 7th and burned nearly 2000 acres before it was controlled on the 21st.
• Wildfire in Missouri, August 7, 20121 eventExtremely dry conditions and vegetation along with the drought conditions led to a rapidly spreading brushfire in western Greene County.
• Wildfire in Colorado, August 8 to 31, 20121 eventA wildfire, started by lightning, has burned under 100 acres approximately 4 miles northwest of Beulah, in Custer County. It continues to be a difficult fire to fight due to the steep terrain, and was still smoldering into the month of September.
• Wildfire and Damaging Wind in Montana, August 8, 2012$3,000 · 56 kt wind · 3 eventsMonsoonal moisture produced high-based thunderstorms with gusty winds and little rain across western Montana.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 8 to 12, 20121 eventLightning started two wildfires east of Pocatello in the mountains on August 8th. Both the Marsh Creek and South Toponts Wildfires grew to around 100 acres before being contained.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, August 10 to 11, 20121 eventHot temperatures, low relative humidity, and gusty wind resulted in the spread of two large wildfires in Adair County. State and local agencies responded to these wildfires, which burned more than 400 acres.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 10 to 20, 2012$370,000 · 4 eventsA few days of warm and dry weather resulted in some grass fires that did some damage. The Lometa Ranch fire burned over 2000 acres in Lampasas County. A small fire near Springtown in Parker County burned two homes.
• Wildfire in Kentucky, August 11, 20121 eventA large brush fire scorched about 250 acres in the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. The fire occurred on the northern end of the recreation area, sending heavy smoke across the community of Grand Rivers.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, August 12, 20121 eventHot temperatures, low relative humidity, and gusty wind promoted the spread of a large wildfire near Pawhuska. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and several local fire departments responded to this wildfire, which consumed over 350 acres and threatened homes.
• Wildfire in California, August 12 to 19, 20124 injured · 1 eventThe Vallecito Lightning Complex was started by lightning around 1900 PST on the 12th. This complex was composed of 3 larger fires greater than 500 acres and 3 smaller fires of 5 acres or less. The Vallecito Fire burned 519 acres just southeast of Julian.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, August 13 to 15, 20121 eventThe Casa Fire was started by lightning 2 miles northwest of Casa in Perry County on the 13th and continued until the 15th. Altogether, 820 acres burned. A house, some outbuildings, a boat, and several vehicles were lost in the fire.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 13 to 28, 2012$8.3 million · 1 eventThe Taylor Bridge Fire burned from August 13 to 28 and was human caused. It burned 23,500 acres of timber and grass and also consumed around 60 homes.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, August 13 to 14, 20121 eventThe Rose Hill Fire was started by lightning 2 miles northwest of Whelen Springs in Clark County on the 13th and continued until the 14th. Altogether, 852 acres burned. A few homes were evacuated at the height of the fire.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, August 14 to 15, 20121 eventThe Lacey Fire began on the 14th 8 miles southwest of Monticello in Drew County and continued until the 15th. Altogether, 1410 acres burned. Ten fire departments, Arkansas Forestry Commission crews from eight counties, three aircraft, and 13 fire plows fought the fire.
• Wildfire in California, August 14 to 20, 20126 injured · $1.0 million · 1 eventThe Buck fire started around 1156 PST on the 14th due to lightning, along Sage Road between Lewis Valley Road and Buck Road near the town of Sage in Riverside County. Voluntary evacuations were in place. Four residences were destroyed.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 14 to 31, 20121 eventThe Butte wildfire started on 08/14/12 and was not contained by the end of August.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 14 to 19, 2012$100,000 · 1 eventThe Buffalo Lake Road Fire started at 2030 on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 and grew quickly due to high winds burning approximately 7,800 acres by the evening of August 15th. The lightning caused fire eventually grew to 11,299 acres and was fully contained on Sunday August 19th.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, August 15, 20121 eventThe Grange Fire was started by lightning 5 miles east of Cave City in Sharp County on the 15th. Altogether, 232 acres burned.
• Wildfire in Kansas, August 15 to 16, 2012$25,000 · 1 eventIsolated thunderstorms developed and moved southeast across parts of northwest Kansas during the late afternoon and evening. Two separate lightning strikes in extreme southern Sherman County resulted in fires which eventually merged into a large fire consuming 15,000 acres.
• Wildfire in South Dakota, August 16, 20121 eventA wildfire burned grassland in and near the Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Gregory County South Dakota on August 16th.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, August 17 to 22, 20121 eventA fire blackened about 3000 acres of dry brush along the Pokii, Paua, and Waiaka ridges near Kekaha in leeward Kauai. Several power poles were destroyed by the blaze, and many residents were without electricity for a time.
• Debris Flow in Nevada, August 17, 2012$10,000 · 1 eventSlow-moving thunderstorms caused heavy rainfall in the Pine Nut Range southeast of Gardnerville. The heavy rain fell on the Ray May wildfire burn scar which produced a large debris flow over highway 395.
• Dense Smoke in Indiana, August 18, 20121 death · 4 injured · 1 eventDense smoke from a farm that was burning hay reduced visibility to less than 30 feet over portions of Interstate 65 near mile marker 227 leading to three separate collisions involving 20 cars between 6:00 AM CST and 6:18 AM CST. Four injuries and one fatality were reported.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 19 to 21, 20121 eventLightning was the cause of a 825 acre wildfire eleven miles east of Wenatchee, WA in |Douglas County. The wildfire burned primarily through grass and sage. No structures were burned in the fire.
• Wildfire in California, August 20, 20122 injured · 1 eventThe Vista fire started around 1052 PST on the 20th, along Vista Road at Rawson Road in Winchester in Riverside County. No evacuations were needed and no structures were threatened or destroyed. Two firefighters received minor injuries.
• Wildfire in Montana, August 20 to 25, 20121 eventThe Highway 87 Wildfire was reported around 3:00 pm on the afternoon of Monday, August 20th. The wildfire was located approximately 6 miles southeast of Billings.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 20 to 31, 20121 eventLightning started the Cache Creek Wildfire on August 20 in far northeast Oregon in the Hells Canyon Recreation area, Cache Creek area. It burned 73,697 acres of grass and timber and a few structures before containment September 26.
• Wildfire in California, August 21 to 28, 20121 eventThe Antelope wildfire was started by lightning on 08/21/12. It was contained by 08/28/12.
• Wildfire in Montana, August 21 to 31, 20121 eventThe East Fork Fire was reported on August 22, 2012 and was caused by lightning from thunderstorms that went through the Lincoln area on Tuesday, August 21st.
• Wildfire in Montana, August 22 to 31, 20121 eventThe Stonewall Fire was ignited by lightning from a thunderstorm that came through the area at about 3 p.m. on Monday, August 27.
• Wildfire in Missouri, August 23, 2012$25,000 · 2 eventsRed flag conditions during the afternoon of August 24th led to the development of fast spreading brushfires in Polk County.
• Wildfire in Montana, August 24 to 30, 20121 eventThe Delphia Wildfire was reported on August 24th at approximately 2 pm. It was caused by a lightning strike on the evening of August 23rd and originated 16 miles east/northeast of Roundup.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, August 24 to 29, 2012$100,000 · 1 eventCritical fire weather conditions existed across southwest North Dakota on August 24. Several wildfires started and one in Slope County, the Deep Creek 2 Fire, was significant.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 27 to 31, 20121 eventA 700 acre wildfire began on August 27th about 10 miles south of Arco in the lava fields burning grass and brush. No property was threatened by the blaze.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, August 28, 20122 eventsThe Claude Schoolhouse Fire 10 miles southwest of Clinton on the 28th burned a total of 300 acres in Van Buren and Conway counties.
• Wildfire in Montana, August 28 to 31, 20121 eventThe Rosebud Wildfire originated 10 miles southwest of Roscoe, Montana on Tuesday, August 28th, at approximately 1:08 pm. The fire burned 2,397 acres and was 100% contained on Saturday, September 1st at arroximately 5 pm.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 28 to 31, 2012$500,000 · 1 eventA fire started by lightning on August 28th grew to 420 acres and destroyed 2 homes about 20 miles west of Montpelier.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 28 to 31, 20121 eventThe Parish Cabin Fire burned 6481 acres 12 miles northeast of Seneca, between August 28 and September 12. It was human caused.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 29 to 31, 20121 eventThe Connor Creek wildfire began at around noon on August 29th about 2 miles east of Elba. The fire grew to 2,000 acres before being contained. Numerous primary residences were within 1 mile of the fire but none were lost.
• Wildfire in Montana, August 29 to 31, 20122 eventsThe Pine Creek Wildfire originated 9 miles south of Livingston, Montana on August 29th at approximately 3 pm. The fire started near the Yellowstone River and quickly burned through the town of Pine Creek.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, August 29 to 31, 20123 injured · $1.0 million · 1 eventLightning produced by high based thunderstorms ignited the Wellnitz Fire. The fire burned 77,159 acres of land, starting near 10 miles north of Hay Springs that spread to across the South Dakota border onto the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
• Wildfire in Missouri, August 30, 20121 injured · $300,000 · 1 eventDrought conditions across the area and gusty winds with the approaching low pressure of the remnants of Isaac caused the development and rapid spread of a large brushfire in Webster County.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, September 1 to 4, 20123 injured · $6.0 million · 1 eventLightning produced by high based thunderstorms ignited the Wellnitz Fire on August 29th. The fire burned over 77,159 acres of land, which included 44,159 acres in Nebraska.
• Wildfire in Montana, September 1 to 30, 20122 eventsThe Pine Creek Wildfire originated 9 miles south of Livingston, Montana on August 29th at approximately 3 pm. The fire started near the Yellowstone River and quickly burned through the town of Pine Creek.
• Wildfire in Montana, September 1 to 30, 20121 eventA wildfire started 10 miles southeast of Butte, MT as a result of lightning strikes.
• Wildfire in Montana, September 1, 20121 eventThe Rosebud Wildfire originated 10 miles southwest of Roscoe, Montana on Tuesday, August 28th, at approximately 1:08 pm. The fire burned 2,397 acres and was 100% contained on Saturday, September 1st at approximately 5 pm.
• Wildfire in Idaho, September 1 to 30, 20121 eventThe Halstead Fire which began on July 27th continued to burn about 18 miles north of Stanley through the month of September reaching a size of 179,000 acres.
• Wildfire in Oregon, September 1, 20121 eventThe Butte wildfire started on 08/21/12. It was contained on 09/01/12.
• Wildfire in California, September 1 to 10, 20121 eventThe Fort Complex, made up of several fires, the largest and longest lasting of which was the Goff fire. The fires were started by lightning on 08/05/12, and the Goff fire was contained by 09/11/12.
• Wildfire in Oregon, September 1 to 26, 20121 eventLightning started the Cache Creek Wildfire on August 20 in far northeast Oregon in the Hells Canyon Recreation area, Cache Creek area. It burned 73,697 acres of grass and timber and a few structures before containment September 26.
• Wildfire in Oregon, September 1 to 15, 20121 eventThe Waterfalls2 Fire was started by lightning on August 4 about 22 miles west of Warm Springs. It burned 12, 265 acres before containment on September 15.
• Wildfire in Oregon, September 1 to 12, 20121 eventThe Parish Cabin Fire burned 6481 acres 12 miles northeast of Seneca, between August 28 and September 12. It was human caused.
• Wildfire in Oregon, September 3 to 7, 20121 eventThe Slate Creek wildfire started on 09/03/12 and was contained by 09/08/12.
• Wildfire in California, September 5 to 14, 20121 eventThe Likely wildfire was started by human activities on 09/05/12. It was contained by 09/15/12.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 5 to 11, 20121 eventThe Highway 141 fire was located along the east side of Hwy. 141, approximately 2 miles north of White Salmon, Washington. The fire started at approximately 1:30pm on Wednesday, Sept. 5th. The fire was contained on September 11 after burning approximately 1,644 acres.
• Wildfire in California, September 6, 20121 injured · 1 eventThe Canyon fire started around 1052 PST on the 6th as three separate fires, near the intersection of Lambs Canyon Road and Gilman Springs Road near Beaumont in Riverside County. One firefighter received minor fire-related injuries and was transported by paramedics for treatment.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, September 8 to 28, 2012$90,000 · 1 eventA man burning trash 5 miles south of Jackson ignited a wildfire on Saturday, September 8, that rapidly spread to the north and northeast toward Jackson. The fire came within 1 mile of Snow King Ski Area and Resort on September 9.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 8 to 30, 20121 death · $602,000 · 3 eventsAn upper level low pressure system sat just offshore of the southern Oregon coastline. Another deep low pressure system pushing into the Gulf of Alaska acted as a kicker to eject the upper level low pressure system offshore across the region.
• Wildfire in Oregon, September 9 to 30, 20121 eventLightning caused the Pole Creek wildfire 6 miles southwest of Sisters on September 9. The fire burned 26,795 acres before being contained October 20. Extensive smoke periodically covered portions of central Oregon causing health concerns.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, September 9 to 16, 2012$4.0 million · 1 eventThe Sheep Herder Hill Fire started on the southeast side of Casper Mountain off of Circle Drive on Sunday, September 9. The wildfire was spread rapidly east and northeast by high temperatures, strong wind, and dry fuels.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 9 to 14, 20121 eventA wildfire flared up about 17 miles southwest of Creston, WA along Highway 2. Gusty winds on September 10th pushed the fire northeast as it rapidly grew to 8,000 acres.
• Wildfire in Texas, September 10 to 14, 2012$10,000 · 1 eventLightning ignited a fire at Salt Creek Ranch, about five miles west of Lometa, Texas. The fire was located along Lampasas County Road 1610.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 10 to 14, 20121 eventThe wildfire flared up seven miles southeast of Keller, WA on the Confederate Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Strong winds helped to rapidly spread the fire through scattered grasses and heavy timber fuels, in steep and rugged terrain.
• Debris Flow and Heavy Rain in Utah, September 12, 20123 eventsA moist and unsettled air mass brought rainfall rates as high as 1.5 inches per hour over portions of southeast Utah during the afternoon of September 12th.
• Wildfire in Montana, September 14 to 19, 20121 eventThe Dugan fire was a wildfire that originated 2 miles south of Ekalaka in Carter County on Friday, September 14th at approximately 10:00 pm. At this time, the cause of the fire remains unknown.
• Wildfire in Georgia, September 16, 2012$200 · 1 eventDry high pressure was in control over the Ohio Valley with ridging into the Carolinas and Georgia. The high began to shift off the Eastern Seaboard as a surface low formed over the northern Gulf of Mexico, allowing moisture to move back into the area.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 16 to 30, 20121 eventThe Goat wildfire was human caused and spread rapidly through rugged and rocky terrain bordered by a community of homes near Alta Lake. The fire grew to 7,378 acres before it was contained in early October.
• Wildfire in Oregon, September 18 to 30, 20121 eventThe Bald Mountain wildfire was lightning caused and burned 1200 acres in the Eagle Cap Wilderness about 12 miles southwest of Enterprise between September 18 and 30.
• Wildfire in Montana, September 22 to 30, 20121 eventThe Wilson Fire was reported on Saturday, September 22nd at 2pm and originated 8 miles southeast of Roundup, Montana. The fuels burned were timber and sage.
• Wildfire in California, September 23 to 26, 20121 death · 3 injured · $3.7 million · 1 eventThe Shockey fire started around 1114 PST on the 23rd, near the intersection of the Shockey Truck Trail and Highway 94, east of Campo in San Diego County. As the fire burned rapidly, approximately 25 structures were threatened.
• Wildfire in Iowa, September 27, 20124 eventsSeveral farm fires and grass fires were reported during the afternoon in Osceola, O'Brien, Clay, and Buena Vista Counties under very dry conditions and strong winds.
• Wildfire in Wisconsin, September 27 to 30, 20121 death · 2 injured · $70,000 · 1 eventOne woman was killed and another seriously injured in two separate auto crashes. The accidents occurred in extreme northeast Monroe County along State Highway 173 near the intersection of County Road EW in low visibility due to smoke from a wildfire burning in the Necedah…
• Wildfire in Montana, October 1 to 18, 20122 eventsThe Pine Creek Wildfire originated 9 miles south of Livingston, Montana on August 29th at approximately 3 pm. The fire started near the Yellowstone River and quickly burned through the town of Pine Creek.
• Wildfire in Washington, October 1 to 30, 2012$2,000 · 2 eventsNumerous thunderstorms that tracked over the east slopes of the northern Cascades during the late afternoon hours of September 8th sparked a total of 110 wildfires across the area during early September.
• Wildfire in Washington, October 1 to 22, 20121 eventThe Goat wildfire was human caused and spread rapidly through rugged and rocky terrain bordered by a community of homes near Alta Lake. The fire grew to 7,378 acres before it was contained in early October.
• Wildfire in Oregon, October 1 to 20, 20121 eventLightning caused the Pole Creek wildfire 6 miles southwest of Sisters on September 9. The fire burned 26,795 acres before being contained October 20. Extensive smoke periodically covered portions of central Oregon causing health concerns.
• Wildfire in Minnesota, October 2 to 3, 20121 injured · 2 eventsA fire which started in Marshall County on September 30th became a wildfire on Tuesday October 2nd, when south winds increased dramatically. Dry conditions brought on by the drought made burn conditions extremely volatile.
• Wildfire in Washington, October 2 to 14, 2012$500,000 · 1 eventThe St Mary's Mission Road Fire started Tuesday, October 2nd, at approximately 15:40 PST near the intersection of Highway 155 and St Mary's Mission Road. The first night the wind driven fire burned approximately 5,000 acres. Two homes and eight structures were lost.
• Wildfire in Washington, October 4 to 13, 2012$1.1 million · 1 eventA wildfire broke out on Oct 4th with containment on Oct 13th. 230 acres burned primarily in timber and along the Powerline 2 corridor. No homes or significant structures burned.
• Wildfire in Colorado, October 16 to 31, 20121 eventThe Vallecito fire was started by lightning during the late afternoon hours on October 16th. This wildfire eventually grew to 1500 acres through early November before a late fall snow storm ended the growth of the fire.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, October 17, 2012$650,000 · 1 eventOver the course of about four hours, 12 rural fire departments battled this large wildfire that originated in western Fillmore County approximately four miles southeast of Sutton.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, October 17 to 18, 2012$4.0 million · 1 eventA large wildfire developed over western Adams County in southwest North Dakota during the afternoon of the 17th.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, October 17 to 18, 20121 eventA combine started a fire in a field near Cedar Rapids, which then spread to about 500 acres by west to northwest winds of 20 to 40 mph.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, October 18, 20126 injured · $1.2 million · 2 eventsA wildfire fanned by high winds caused a fire to quickly spread southeast, crossing Interstate 80 and then burning for an additional 12 miles southeast into northeast Perkins County. The wildfire reached up to 1.5 miles wide.
• Wildfire in Colorado, October 23 to 29, 2012$2.5 million · 3 eventsA wildfire of unknown cause spread rapidly eastward. It consumed 15 houses and additional out-buildings in the Greenwood Village subdivision. Scores of residences were evacuated during the height of the wildfire.
• Wildfire in Georgia, October 26, 2012$1,000 · 1 eventA high pressure ridge continued to dominate the area on the 26th, but was beginning to break down in advance of Hurricane Sandy. Dry conditions continued across the area, but not to critical levels for fire danger conditions.
• Debris Flow and Flooding in New Hampshire, October 29 to 30, 20121 death · 1 injured · $1.6 million · 70 kt wind · 25 eventsOn Monday, October 29th, Hurricane Sandy (and its remnants) tracked northwest from well off the North Carolina coast to southeastern Pennsylvania, making landfall near the southern tip of New Jersey.
• Wildfire in Colorado, November 1 to 9, 20121 eventThe Vallecito wildfire was started by lightning during the late afternoon hours on October 16th. This fire eventually grew to 1500 acres through early November before a late fall snow storm ended the growth of the fire.
• Wildfire in Georgia, November 3 to 4, 2012$2,000 · 1 eventA northwest flow pattern was in place with a deep trough across the eastern United States. A weak shortwave moved into the Southeast with only light scattered showers developing in the afternoon.
• Wildfire in California, November 5 to 6, 20122 injured · $4,000 · 1 eventA wildfire of unknown cause started at 1055 PST, Monday, Nov. 5, 2012 on the east side of Interstate 15, northeast of the I-15/215 merge, in the Pitman Canyon area. The fire initially burned downwind/downhill in a south southeast direction.
• Debris Flow and High Wind in California, November 8 to 9, 201270 kt wind · 5 eventsA cold low pressure system from the Gulf of Alaska moved through California, bringing light to moderate precipitation. A few locations in the San Diego County and San Bernardino County Mountains received between 1 and 2 inches of rain.
• Wildfire in Georgia, November 10 to 12, 2012$14,000 · 4 eventsHigh pressure over the area kept dry conditions in place. Though afternoon mixing was weak, dewpoints were dry enough for prolonged dangerous fire weather conditions, especially across north Georgia.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, November 17 to 18, 20121 eventThe Snowball Fire 4 miles southeast of Snowball in Searcy County burned 308 acres on the 17th and 18th.
• Wildfire in Georgia, November 18 to 27, 2012$12,000 · 1 eventAn upper low over the region shifted east, allowing flow to transition to nearly zonal aloft. A large surface ridge dominated the eastern United States, continuing to bring dry air to the region.
• Debris Flow and Heavy Snow in Washington, November 18 to 19, 20126 eventsA moist warm front brought valley rain and mountain snow across the region. The moist system at times resulted in moderate precipitation rates, which resulted in saturated soils across mid-slopes and heavy snowfall accumulations at elevations above 3500 feet.
• Debris Flow and Heavy Rain in Washington, November 19, 2012$17,000 · 2 eventsHeavy rain caused local flooding and mudslides. A large hole developed in the middle of a road in Cosmopolis. 24 hour rainfall amounts were 2.97 in Hoquiam, 4.09 in Bremerton, and 6 inches at Cushman Dam on the Olympic Peninsula.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, November 24 to 25, 20122 eventsThe Round Mountain Fire began on the 24th about 3 miles southeast of Williams Junction in Perry County and burned into Saline County before being controlled on the 25th. Altogether, 330 acres burned.
• Wildfire in Georgia, November 24 to 30, 2012$226,000 · 2 eventsAn upper low over the region shifted east, allowing flow to transition to nearly zonal aloft. A large surface ridge dominated the eastern United States, continuing to bring dry air to the region.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, November 26 to 30, 20121 eventThe Raspberry Mountain fire began in the Ouachita National Forest about 7.6 miles south-southwest of Big Fork in Polk County soon after midnight on the 26th. The fire burned about 220 acres during November and then continued into December.
• Wildfire in Texas, November 26, 20121 eventA wildfire occurred through brush on a dry lake bed on the northern reaches of Lake Corpus Christi. The wildfire burned almost 800 acres and threatened a few homes in the area.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, November 26 to 27, 20121 eventA fire burned 75 acres of dry brush in former pineapple fields near Wahiawa in central Oahu. The blaze scorched the area bounded by Kamananui Road, Wilikina Drive, Kamehameha Highway, and Lake Wilson. No homes or other structures were threatened.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, December 1 to 17, 20121 eventThe Raspberry Mountain Fire began in the Ouachita National Forest about 7.6 miles south-southwest of Big Fork in Polk County soon after midnight on November 26th. It was controlled on December 17th. Altogether, 873 acres burned.

Every billion-dollar disasterEvery storm of 2012Tornadoes in 2012

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.