The Dixie Fire (2021) was a California wildfire in Northern Sierra (Butte, Plumas, Lassen, Shasta, Tehama Counties), with 963,309 acres, 1,329 structures destroyed, 1 death on the public record. Its cause is recorded as confirmed. Litigation filed. Status as of June 15, 2026, per CPUC.
Fire facts
From public records; unknown values are shown, never guessed.
| Year | 2021 |
|---|---|
| Start date | 2021-07-13 |
| Containment date | 2021-10-25 |
| Region / counties | Butte, Plumas, Lassen, Shasta, Tehama |
| Acreage | 963,309 |
| Structures destroyed | 1,329 |
| Structures damaged | 95 |
| Fatalities | 1 |
| Cause status | confirmed |
| Officially determined arson | No / not determined |
| Last verified | 2026-06-15 |
Cause
State investigators determined the Dixie Fire was caused by a tree contacting electrical distribution equipment operated by the regional utility. It destroyed the town of Greenville and ranks among the largest single wildfires in California history.
What happened
Burning for months across five counties in the northern Sierra, the Dixie Fire forced sustained evacuations and destroyed the community of Greenville.
Litigation status
Litigation filed. Status as of June 15, 2026, per CPUC.
After state investigators attributed the Dixie Fire to Pacific Gas and Electric Company equipment, litigation and regulatory proceedings followed, including matters before the California Public Utilities Commission. This entry reports that litigation exists on the public record as of the status date; it does not predict outcomes or describe any individual’s position.
Litigation and regulatory proceedings followed the Dixie Fire in connection with the regional utility. This entry reports only the existence of litigation in the public record as of the status date.
Court & regulatory record
- California Public Utilities Commission, utility wildfire proceedings , California Public Utilities Commission
This is a reported public-record status, not advice about any individual’s legal situation. Deadlines and eligibility change over time and depend on facts specific to each person, only a licensed attorney can assess yours.
In the news
Independent news coverage related to the Dixie Fire. Each link opens the original public reporting.
- Apr 11, 2022PG&E to pay $55M for massive NorCal wildfires started by aging power linesKTLA 5
- Jan 5, 2022PG&E power lines sparked massive Dixie Fire, investigation findsKTLA 5
- Oct 6, 2021Attorney files lawsuit against PG&E for Dixie FirePlumas News
Common questions about the Dixie Fire
What caused the Dixie Fire?
State investigators determined the Dixie Fire was caused by a tree contacting electrical distribution equipment operated by the regional utility. It destroyed the town of Greenville and ranks among the largest single wildfires in California history.
Is there litigation over the Dixie Fire?
Litigation filed. Status as of June 15, 2026, per CPUC.
What areas did the Dixie Fire affect?
The Dixie Fire (Northern Sierra (Butte, Plumas, Lassen, Shasta, Tehama Counties)) affected communities including Greenville, Chester, Canyondam, Indian Falls, Twain, Crescent Mills.
How large was the Dixie Fire?
963,309 acres, 1,329 structures destroyed, 1 fatality, per public records as of 2026-06-15.
Sources
- CAL FIRE Incident Statistics, Top 20 Largest California Wildfires, CAL FIRE
- California Public Utilities Commission, Wildfires, CPUC
Facts on this page are drawn from the public sources listed above and rewritten in original words. See Sources & Methodology.