Photos Taken From Drones Show The World As It's Rarely Seen

49. The Tubbs Fire

The Tubbs Fire stands as one of the most devastating wildfires in California’s history. When it erupted in 2017, the blaze tore through communities, destroying 5,643 structures and causing an estimated $1.3 billion in damages. This catastrophic event left thousands of families displaced and forever changed the landscape of Northern California

But what made the Tubbs Fire so destructive? Its rapid spread, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, caught many residents off guard, leaving little time to evacuate. The fire also highlighted the growing threat of climate change, which has intensified wildfire risks across the state. Beyond the physical damage, the emotional toll on survivors and first responders was profound. Could better preparedness and infrastructure have mitigated the impact? Though California has subsequently put more rigorous fire safety policies in place, the Tubbs Fire serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of attention in fire-prone areas and of nature's unpredictability.