The largest fire in California history turned deadly on Monday as a firefighter tending the blaze was killed.. Despite its reach, the Mendocino Complex has destroyed fewer than 200 structures. THE Mendocino Complex Fire has left a firefighter dead as crews struggle to contain the largest blaze ever in California’s history. It was 67% contained. The Mendocino Complex fire has burned its way into the history books as the biggest fire ever recorded in California. The River Fire was reported to be fully contained as of Monday evening, while the Ranch Fire was 59 percent contained. By Monday evening, the Mendocino Complex blaze, made up of the Ranch and River fires, had scorched more than 328,000 acres, destroyed 139 homes and left two firefighters injured. The recent Carr Fire has destroyed more than 1,500 and burned 207,162 acres since July 23.