This collection of wildfire info spans 120 years of U.S. wildfire-control techniques, wildfire-ignition trends, plus information on how homeowners can install 'Ember-Resistant" Vent Screens to reduce their risks of wildfire-related damage.
Wildfire Info from U.S. Data
Fire Management Techniques from 1910 to 2025
Here's a summarized history of how fires are managed in the U.S, starting around the year 1910.
1910–1940s: "Suppress Every Fire" Policy
The early 1900s saw some of the worst wildfires in U.S. history.
The 1910 "Big Burn" burned 3 million acres and took the lives of 85 firefighters.
In 1933, the massive Tillamook Burn in Oregon destroyed 3 million acres of timber.
Fire agencies of this time period responded with aggressive “put every fire out immediately” policies.
The Smokey Bear campaign launched in 1944, which taught Americans that “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires.”
'Smokey Bear' is modeled on the U.S.' Uncle Sam, and he is designed to inspire individuals to take responsibility for fire safety.
The 1949 Mann Gulch Fire in Montana claimed the lives of 13 firefighters, and this directly led to new safety standards.
1950s–1990s: Rethinking Fire
Scientists began to recognize that not all fire is bad—some fires are natural and can be beneficial to forests.
The 1988 Yellowstone Fires burned over 1.5 million acres and inspired national debate on letting natural fires burn.
The 1991 Oakland Hills Fire (Tunnel Fire) took the lives of 25 people, and destroyed almost 3,000 homes, clear evidence of what a dangerous combination that "embers + wind" can be in urban areas.
Image Credit: Scootwhoman - CC BY-SA 3.0
2000's to Now: Mega-Fires & New Risks
Wildfires in the U.S. have grown larger and more destructive, compared to 100 years ago.
The 2003 Cedar Fire in San Diego destroyed over 2,200 homes.
In 2018, the Camp Fire in Paradise, CA, 85 people died, and the fire wiped out nearly 19,000 buildings, becoming the most destructive wildfire in California history.
The 2023 Lahaina Fire on Maui was the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century.
Image Credit: Frank Schulenburg - CC BY-SA 4.0 -
In 2025, the Los Angeles Wildfires caused +18,000 buildings to be destroyed, and neighborhoods in suburban communities like Altadena were most affected.
For official wildfire statistics, visit the National Interagency Fire Center.
Why Embers Matter Most
Wind-blown embers—tiny burning pieces of wood or debris—are responsible for a majority of homes which ignite during a wildfire.
These embers can travel up to 3 miles ahead of the main flames and sneak through vents, under roofs, or through open windows.
The 2007 'Witch Creek Fire' burned 1,265 structures, including many homes, and a majority of the residential fires were started by windblown embers.
Image Credit: Durova - Public Domain -
The 'Witch & Guejito Fires' (2007) showed that embers ignited about 75% of destroyed homes.
Simple Steps to Help Protect Your Home
Total Screen is not a wildfire authority, but we have listened to experts and fire agencies, who all recommend these steps for homeowners:
- Clear Defensible Space: Remove dry leaves, brush, and anything flammable at least 30–100 feet from your home.
- Install Ember-Resistant Screens and Vents: Specially designed screens can help keep embers out of attics and crawl spaces.
- Use Fire-Resistant Materials: If possible, upgrade to fire-rated roofing, siding, and window screens.
- Watch for Gaps: Make sure windows and doors have tight-fitting screens to keep embers from slipping through.
You can find official advice at Ready for Wildfire and Firewise USA.
We encourage you to visit the resources linked above for more in-depth wildfire history, safety tips, and building code updates.
Total Screen: Here to Help
At Total Screen, we provide 'Ember Resistant' Vent Screen installation for California homes built before 2008.
California homes built before 2008 are most at risk for wildfire-related ember damage, due to their roof-vent construction that can allow embers into wooden attic spaces.
Homes in California that were built after 2008 are unlikely to need ember-resistant vent screens, due to their different methods of home ventilation.
Climate Scientist, Dr. Daniel Swain, recently urged all homeowners:
"Put in ember-resistant vents because it's so simple and so relatively inexpensive—most people can do it themselves—and yet gives you such a great advantage relative to not having them that it’s almost a no-brainer"
Click here to Contact Total Screen and get ember-resistant vent screens installed on your home, today.
Total Screen's expert installation team will install your ember-resistant vent screens over all your home's exterior vents.
The Bottom Line
Wildfires are a growing concern, but a few practical steps—like clearing space around your home and installing the right screens—can make a real difference.
Ready to get started? Contact Total Screen for advice on ember-resistant screens for your windows and doors.