Basin Complex Fire was a massive wildfire near Big Sur that ignited on June 21 , 2008 , and was the result of a lightning strike . It eventually grew to , becoming the second-largest wildfire of the 2008 California wildfire season , and burning most of the Ventana Wilderness . State and federal officials spent more than $ 120 million to fight the fire , making it is the most expensive fire in California history up to that time , and the second most expensive in U.S. history , exceeded only by the Biscuit Fire in 2002 . Eventually , the Thomas Fire surpassed the Basin Complex Fire in firefighting costs as well
2008 California wildfire season
2008 California wildfires
Basin Complex Fire