A wildfire that has been burning for almost two months in the coastal area of Big Sur, California has officially become the most expensive wildfire in US history.  More than 200 million dollars have been spent in firefighting efforts. And worst of all? After two months and $200 million, the fire is only at 67% containment. 

The cost of the fire
As of mid-September, firefighting costs for the disaster in Big Sur have reached $206.7 million.  This well surpasses the previous record holder: a fire between the borders of California and Oregon in 2002 that cost $165 million.  These cost calculations only include the price of containing and extinguishing the fire.  The $206.7 million does not account for damages done by the fire such as house loss, displacement, reforestation, etc. The cost to fight this fire has grown due to the long duration and need for a strong firefighting presence.  It is estimated that the fire costs between $2 million and $8 million a day to contain.  

More details on the fire
The fire began in Los Padres National Forest on July 22nd.  Since then, it has grown to cover 185 square miles.  While this isn’t the largest wildfire California has seen, it is certainly one of the strongest and most difficult to contain.

At writing, the wildfire had destroyed 57 homes and 11 outbuildings.  A further 2000 structures are at risk of damage or destruction.  Over 5000 firefighters have taken part in battling the blaze.  

Devastatingly, the wildfire has taken the life of one person. A bulldozer operator was killed by the fire earlier this summer.  He was working on the fireline when his equipment overturned resulting in his death.  

What started the fire?
The wildfire originated from an illegal campfire in a remote part of Garrapata State Park.  State Park officials reveal that the campfire was found in a part of the park that is closed to the public.  In fact, neither camping or campfires are permitted within this area of the park.  The campfire was located about two miles east of Highway 1.  Cal Fire Battalion Chief Richard Lopez informed the public that the campground where the fire began was not part of the sanctioned trail system.

Dean Flippo, Monterey County District Attorney, said that those responsible for the fire could face criminal charges.  So far, no suspects have been arrested and no charges have been laid.     

The fire fights back 
Despite great efforts by firefighters on the ground and in the air, the expensive wildfire in Big Sur continues to rage on.  On Monday September 19th, the fire passed the containment line.  The National Weather Service issued a red flag alert and a series of houses were ordered to evacuate.  The fire jumped the containment line due to an unexpected wind shift.  Gusts of wind at up to 40 miles per hour blew embers over to the previously safe side of the line. 

Luckily, crews were pre-staged in the area and ready to fight the growing fire.  The firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the night.  Aid from above was received the next morning when air operations dropped flame retardant by helicopter.  However, due to wind and heat conditions, air operations may be halted. 

California’s drought
California is currently in it’s fifth year of drought.  In fact, the drought has grown so severe that in 2015 it was categorized as “Exceptional Drought”, escalating from severe (2013) and extreme (2014). In 2014, California governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency due to the drought.  These dry drought conditions combined with high winds increase the chance of forest and wildfires.  California has seen 20% more fires in 2016 than it had at this same time in 2015.  The state average of 3200 wildfires per year was already surpassed in mid-August with 3800 fires.  In fact, that total rises to 4600 wildfires when you include federal-owned land within California.  

Another important issue during California’s epic drought is water consumption.  Residents have been asked to cut their personal, household and business water consumption.  In May, Governor Brown urged Californians to make water conservation a way of life.  Unfortunately, not all residents are as eco-friendly as the governor hopes.  Many water abusers are facing fines and public scrutiny over their immense water usage, particularly in affluent parts of the state. Certain homes, like the 42-room chateau belonging to former Univision CEO Jerrold Perenchio, require over six million gallons of water per year in order to maintain the lawns, gardens and vineyards on the property.  

The burn
After years of drought and increasing wildfires, it is estimated that 66 million trees have died in California in the last four years.  Unfortunately, with three major wildfires still burning and uncontained in California, the number of dead trees and destroyed habitats is still growing.  Conditions for wildfires are still strong and the typical wildfire summer season is extending into the previously safe fall months.  California reports new wildfires daily.