1988 Wildfire Activity Statistics

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1988 FIRE SEASON SUMMARY
This year was considered a drought year . Rainfall for the state averaged 60 to 70% of
normal, resulting in water shortages and low fuel moisture . The California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) augmented engine crews and extended peak staffing time.
The early season produced normal activity . California experienced heavy lightning but
only a few fires . June and July produced major fires in Southern California and the Sierra
front in Amador-E1 Dorado and Tuolumne-Calaveras . July and August produced records for
temperatures and continuous days of 100 degrees . This helped to set the stage for September's
fire siege.
During September there were 19 major fires in California, the largest being the Miller
Fire in Lake-Napa Ranger Unit, destroying 38,600 acres and seven dwellings . The most damaging
fire was the 49 1 er in Nevada-Yuba-Placer Ranger Unit, destroying 148 homes.
The remainder of the year was relatively quiet . There was an unexpected burst of activity
in early to mid-December caused by strong, dry north winds . Santa Ana task force, equipment,
and personnel were utilized in Southern California early in December, then moved back to the
north end of the state for fires in Regions I, II and the Mendocino National Forest.
CDF provided resources to the Yellowstone Fire ; this was only the second time CDF
responded out of state . A total of 116 CDF personnel were out of state during the height of
the battle . This included two engine strike teams, two class 1 fire teams plus miscellaneous
overhead .
NUMBER OF WILDFIRES AND ACRES BURNED
Direct Protection Area of Wildfires
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection - - 8,121
United States Forest Service 3,421
Contract Counties 1,009
U .S . Bureau of Land Management 493
National Park Service 246
1988 TOTAL 13,290
5-Year Average (1983-1987) 11,726
Acres Burned
191,000
54,000
58,000
34,000
8,000
345,000
279,400
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