Ranked: The Most Expensive U.S. Wildfire Events, So Far
Wildfire events are growing increasingly frequent and destructive around the world as human-driven climate impacts continue to escalate—and the United States is no exception.
In collaboration with Inigo Insurance, this visual explores the most expensive wildfires in U.S. history to date, using data from the National Centers for Environmental Information to provide crucial context around their financial toll.
Wildfires & Climate Change
According to NASA, extreme wildfire activity has more than doubled globally over the past two decades. Fire seasons are not only growing longer, but off-season wildfires are also becoming increasingly common. A striking example is the Marshall Fire, which erupted in Colorado during the winter of 2021 and went on to become the state’s most costly wildfire on record.
At the same time, wildfire-related emissions are surging. Between 2001 and 2023, NASA researchers observed a 60% rise in carbon emissions from forest fires.
While wildfires are a natural part of many ecosystems, the growing intensity and frequency of fires—amplified by a warming climate—are raising serious environmental concerns.
California Wildfires
California and its neighboring Western states have been the epicenter of many of the most financially devastating wildfires in U.S. history. At the top of the list are the January 2025 Pacific Palisades and Eaton Fires, which together caused an unprecedented $65.0 billion in damage.
| Name | Begin Date | CPI-Adjusted Cost ($ billions) |
|---|---|---|
| Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, Los Angeles | January 2025 | 65.0 |
| Western Wildfires, California Firestorm | June 2018 | 30.0 |
| Western Wildfires, California Firestorm | June 2017 | 23.2 |
| Western Wildfires – California, Oregon, Washington Firestorms | August 2020 | 19.9 |
| Western Wildfires | June 2021 | 12.1 |
| Oakland Firestorm | Oct 1991 | 7.6 |
| California Wildfires | Sept 2003 | 6.6 |
| Hawaii Firestorm | August 2023 | 5.7 |
| California and Alaska Wildfires | June 2019 | 5.5 |
| Western Wildfires | June 2007 | 4.1 |
Next are three other major California wildfires: the June 2018 fires ($30.0 billion), June 2017 fires ($23.2 billion), and August 2020 fires ($19.9 billion), which also extended into Oregon and Washington. Each of these events inflicted tens of billions of dollars in destruction.
In fact, 9 of the 10 most expensive wildfires on record occurred in California and other Western states, underscoring the region’s heightened vulnerability to extreme fire events.
A Future of Fires
As climate change continues to accelerate, extreme weather events—including wildfires—are expected to remain a persistent threat. The rising toll in both frequency and financial damage highlights the critical importance of fire preparedness and securing adequate insurance coverage.
Explore Inigo’s Hub.
-
Environment4 days agoMapped: The United States of Drought
Drought grips much of the U.S., affecting over 60 million people today.
-
Healthcare3 weeks agoThe $58B Weight Loss Drug Market in One Chart
Weight loss drugs have surged in popularity in recent years, transforming the pharmaceutical landscape. Which brands are dominating this space?
-
Healthcare4 weeks agoRanked: Which Areas Receive the Most Pharma R&D?
The pharmaceutical industry has made enormous strides in treating—and even curing—a wide range of diseases and conditions. Which areas are seeing the most R&D in 2025?
-
Healthcare4 weeks agoThe $5.6T Pharmaceutical Industry in One Chart
Pharma giants don’t just make medicine—they shape the future of healthcare. Who are the world’s major players?
-
Crime2 months ago6 Fraud Trends Reshaping Risk in 2025
The fraud and financial crime landscapes are evolving rapidly. What are the key threats shaping risk in 2025?
-
Cryptocurrency2 months agoRanked: The 10 Biggest Digital Heists
Some of the largest digital heists didn’t rely on brute-force hacking, they exploited the weakest link in security: human trust.
-
Crime2 months agoThe Most Costly Financial Crimes in 2024
As cybersecurity threats escalate, which financial crimes are causing the most harm? The FBI has the data.
-
Crime2 months agoMapped: U.S. Financial Crime Activity by State
Suspicious activity has been rising in the U.S., but is it spread evenly throughout all 50 states? Certainly not.
-
Crime2 months agoRanked: America’s Most Common Financial Crimes
As technology and AI become more widespread, fraud and other suspicious activity are rising across America. Which types are the most common?
-
Economy2 months agoTracking the $3.1 Trillion Financial Crime Pandemic
From money laundering to fraud, financial crime acts as a drain on the economy, totaling an incredible $3.1 trillion.
-
Politics3 months agoWhich Types of Government Rule the World?
Over half the global population is ruled by non-centrist types of government, including autocracies and left or right wing parties.
-
Politics3 months agoBreaking Down the $524 Billion Investment Needed to Rebuild Ukraine
Ukraine will require an estimated $524B over the next decade to recover from the Russia-Ukraine war. Which sectors have been most impacted?
-
Politics3 months agoAre Tariffs Causing U.S. Inflation Fears?
Amid tariff increases, consumers’ expectations for U.S. inflation in the next five years have reached their highest level since March 1991.
-
Politics4 months agoRanked: Executive Orders by President in the First 100 Days
In his first 100 days, President Trump has issued far more executive orders than any other president in history.
- Source: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/sp/ranked-the-most-expensive-u-s-wildfire-events-so-far-ig01/
