Last updated October 15, 2021
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Erskine Fire 2016

Lake Isabella, CA USA

The fast-moving Erskine fire—one of many blazes in the southwestern US fed by extreme heat and dryness during the 2016 season—scorched 48,019 acres, destroyed 257 structures, and was responsible for two deaths. Kern County Chief Fire Marshall described the blaze as "One of the fastest moving, most destructive fires we've seen in state's history."

Extreme heat, years of ongoing drought, and tree die off—all linked to climate change—enabled the fire to spread quickly.

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