History of Kincade Fire in Timeline

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Kincade Fire

The Kincade Fire, a major wildfire in Sonoma County, California, ignited on October 23, 2019, and raged until November 6, 2019. Consuming 77,758 acres, it became the largest wildfire in Sonoma County's history at the time, later surpassed by the 2020 LNU Lightning Complex fires. Originating northeast of Geyserville, the fire prompted large-scale evacuations across Sonoma County, impacting communities like Geyserville, Healdsburg, Windsor, and Santa Rosa. Over 90,000 structures were threatened. Evacuation warnings and orders affected most of Sonoma County and parts of Lake County, including the town of Middletown. The Kincade fire was the largest fire within the 2019 California wildfire season.

October 23, 2019: Kincade Fire Ignites

The Kincade Fire began northeast of Geyserville, California, on October 23, 2019, in The Geysers area.

November 6, 2019: Kincade Fire Contained

On November 6, 2019, the Kincade Fire was fully contained after burning 77,758 acres.

July 16, 2020: Cal Fire Determines Cause of Kincade Fire

On July 16, 2020, Cal Fire's investigation concluded that PG&E transmission lines caused the Kincade Fire. The report was sent to the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office, and a civil lawsuit followed separate from the PG&E bankruptcy settlement.

2020: Kincade Fire Surpassed

In 2020, the LNU Lightning Complex fires surpassed the Kincade Fire as the largest wildfire recorded in Sonoma County.