California Wildfires

In October of 2007, ravishing, catastrophic wildfires engulfed parts of San Diego, California.  Santa Ana winds blew firestorms violently throughout neighborhoods, destroying nearly 1,500 homes.  At least ten were killed and a hundred injured.
            There were two fires that seem to have started on opposite sides of San Diego County.  A 2,500-acre fire burned across the southeast portion of San Diego while a 3000-acre covering fire burned across the northeast part of San Diego.  Emergency evacuations were put into action at the time of these devastating wildfires.  In addition, schools and universities were also closed. The American Red Cross and San Diego Blood Bank called for blood donors to help those who had been injured by the wildfires and to maintain an adequate blood supply for future use.
            San Diego's Office of Emergency Services has said they will fund a campaign for the upcoming summer urging residents to create a defensible space in order to protect their homes from wildfires.  Brush clearing and creating a defensible space is mandatory in some fire districts, but not all of them. 

Last Updated: May 15, 2007
By: Heather G. and Adrienne M.