NewsCalifornia News

Actions

Cause of devastating Ranch Fire revealed

Cal Fire: Fire Caused by Spark, Hot Metal Fragment
California Ranch Fire
Posted
and last updated

It appears we now know the cause of the largest wildfire in California history.

The Ranch Fire burned through Mendocino, Lake, Colusa, and Glenn counties in the summer of 2018. The blaze left one firefighter dead, destroyed 280 structures and burned more than 410,000 acres.

Now, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says it believes the Ranch Fire was caused by a spark or hot metal fragment from a hammer driving a metal stake into the ground. Cal Fire says no charges have been filed in connection to the fire.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Monday

03/09/2026

Clear

-° / 52°

3%

Tuesday

03/10/2026

Mostly Clear

76° / 49°

7%

Wednesday

03/11/2026

Clear

76° / 51°

4%

Thursday

03/12/2026

Mostly Clear

82° / 54°

4%

Friday

03/13/2026

Partly Cloudy

82° / 55°

5%

Saturday

03/14/2026

Mostly Clear

81° / 55°

4%

Sunday

03/15/2026

Mostly Clear

85° / 57°

3%

Monday

03/16/2026

Clear

90° / 59°

1%