Wildfire — Western Siskiyou County, California

Event narrative (NOAA)

Lightning from a thunderstorm event on 07/22/08 ignited another round of wildfires across northern California. The Panther Wildfire started this day around 3:00 AM. It was still burning at the end of July. As of 0430 PDT on 08/01/08, this fire was 5338 acres in size and 0% contained with an estimated containment date of 08/28/08. 1.4 million had been expended in fire fighting efforts. This fire caused one firefighter death on 07/27/08. He was doing reconnaissance work when a wind shift caused him to become entrapped. The autopsy stated he died of burns and smoke inhalation.

Other notable wildfire events in California