Wildfires are large, uncontrolled fires that burn forests, grasslands or natural areas, often causing massive destruction. Over history, some wildfires have become so big that they left a lasting impact on the environment, wildlife and people’s lives. This article highlights the top-10 largest wildfires ever recorded, showing their sizes, damage and the lessons they taught us about handling such disasters.
The Siberian Taiga Fires of 2003 are considered the largest wildfires ever recorded. These fires burned a massive 55 million acres of land across Eastern Siberia, Russia, and affected parts of northeastern China and northern Mongolia. This catastrophic event not only had devastating environmental effects but also raised important concerns about the growing frequency of wildfires and their impact on global climate change.
Wildfires are massive fires that burn forests, grasslands and natural areas, causing huge damage to land, animals and people. Over time, some wildfires have been incredibly large and destructive.
Here is the list of top-10 biggest wildfires in the world:
Rank | Wildfire Name | Year | Area Burned (Acres) | Location |
1. | Siberian Taiga Fires | 2003 | 55,000,000 | Russia |
2. | Australian Bushfires | 2019-2020 | 42,000,000 | Australia |
3. | Great Fire of 1919 | 1919 | 5,000,000 | Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada |
4. | Chinchaga Fire | 1950 | 4,200,000 | Canada |
5. | Black Dragon Fire | 1987 | 2,500,000 | China and Russia |
6. | Great Michigan Fire | 1871 | 2,500,000 | Michigan |
7. | Great Fire of 1910 | 1910 | 3,000,000 | Idaho, Montano and Washington |
8. | Miramichi Fire | 1825 | 3,000,000 | Maine |
9. | Peshtigo Fire | 1871 | 1,200,000 | Wisconsin |
10. | Taylor Complex Fire | 2004 | 1,305,592 | Alaska |
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