<P> California has dry, windy, and often hot weather conditions from late spring through autumn that can produce moderate to devastating wildfires . At times, these wildfires are fanned or made worse from strong, dry winds, known as Diablo winds in the northern part of the state and Santa Ana winds to the south . Wildfires in California are growing more dangerous as people build in rural burn areas . United States taxpayers pay about US $3 billion a year to fight wildfires, and big fires can lead to billions of dollars in property losses . </P> <P> The following is a list of notable wildfires of various sizes that have occurred in California . </P> <P> Since 1932, when accurate records started to be kept, these are the 20 largest wildfires in California, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). However, the largest wildfire in recorded California history was the Santiago Canyon Fire of 1889, which burned at least 300,000 acres (120,000 ha) in southern California . </P> <P> Note: means that the fire is currently burning . Total size and position in the list are subject to change . </P>

What was the largest forest fire in california history