Illustrating the Size of California's Wildfires

Wildfires in California are getting both larger and more destructive. A simple but informative graphic from the San Francisco illustrates the scope of the destruction.

1 minute read

October 30, 2019, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Kincade Fire

Zenobillis / Shutterstock

The Digital Team at the San Francisco Chronicle is helping readers understand the immense size of the largest fire currently burning in North California, the Kincade Fire, as well as the massive size of fires that have burned through the state in recent years.

Providing context, and smaller than every single fire is the city of San Francisco, famously (but erroneously) measured seven miles by seven miles for a total of 49 square miles. It should be noted that San Francisco is not the location of any of the current wildfires, like a post by Time magazine suggested yesterday.

For more perspective on California's fires, see also an article by Alissa Walker that reminds California's critics of the state's role as a leader on climate change, with proof in the form of reduced carbon emissions.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019 in San Francisco Chronicle

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Geese flock to a frozen pond in Aurora, Colorado. There are houses in the background.

Colorado’s Largest Data Center Could Rise Next to Homes — Without a Public Hearing

The proposed campus would consume 11 times the power of Denver International Airport; as it has across the country, opposition mounts.

September 17, 2026 - Capital & Main

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

A busy highway in Richmond, with construction and the city visible in the background.

'This is going to be painful:’ Virginia stares down $1.7 billion funding gap for highway maintenance

The state may address the deficit by shifting $290 million from its construction budget to maintenance projects.

3 hours ago - The Virginia Mercury

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18 - Inside Climate News

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18 - Mass Transit