Wildfires Rip Through Southern California

Worst California Fires of 21st Century

• Cedar Fire (October 2003)

• Zaca Fire (July 2007)

• October 2007 Fires

• Summer 2008 Fires

Cedar Fire: October 2003

• Cause: A man named Sergio Martinez claims he started the fire to signal rescuers after he got lost.

• It was spread by strong Santa Ana Winds.

• Affected Areas: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties

Aftermath

• Area Burned: 280,278 acres• Homes Destroyed: 2,232• Fatalities: 15

Zaca Fire: July 2007

• Cause: The fire started as a result of sparks from a grinding machine being used to fix a water pipe.

• Affected Areas: Los Padres National Forest and the Santa Ynez River Recreation Area

Aftermath

• Area Burned: 240,207 acres• Luckily, no homes were lost, and no fatalities

occurred.

October 2007 Fires

• Cause: Drought in Southern California, hot weather, and strong Santa Ana winds

• A few of the fires are suspected to have been started deliberately.

• Affected Areas: San Diego, Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, San Barnardino, Santa Barbara, and Riverside Counties

Aftermath

• Area Burned: 500,000 acres • Homes Destroyed: Over 1,500• Injured: At least 70• Fatalities: 14

More Pictures Of October 2007 Fires

Summer 2008 Fires

• Cause: Most of the fires were started by lightning from dry thunderstorms. Some were caused by the dry, hot weather.

• Affected Areas: Santa

Barbara County, Mariposa County, and the Sierra Nevada foothills in central California

Aftermath

• Area Burned: 1,157,930 acres• Homes Destroyed: Few homes were

destroyed, however many were evacuated.• Fatalities: 8

Importance

• Learning about tragic historical events can help prevent future tragedies from occuring.

• Every year fires burn forests and destroy homes in Southern California. This knowledge can help people plan and prepare for fires in the future.

And Remember….