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Southern California declared disaster areaDeadly wildfires have charred more than 300,000 acres
DEVORE, California (CNN) -- Wildfires engulfing huge swaths of Southern California have killed at least 14 people and sent tens of thousands seeking refuge. The state's deadliest blazes in more than a decade raged through areas as far north as Simi Valley in Ventura County, east to San Bernardino County and south to San Diego County -- scorching more than 300,000 acres. Weather forecasts indicate more hot and dry conditions that will mix with the Santa Ana winds and could fan the flames that have reached 100 feet tall in places. President Bush declared Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties major disaster areas Monday, opening the way for federal dollars for governments, businesses and people affected by the fires. California Gov. Gray Davis, who has declared states of emergency in those counties, activated the National Guard to help with disaster relief. Davis said 135 fire engines from other areas -- including Nevada and Arizona -- are headed to San Diego County. More than 8,000 firefighters were trying to contain at least 10 fires in the region early Monday. But Dallas Jones, director of the Governor's Office for Emergency Services, said most of the fires were less than 20 percent contained, and some weren't contained at all. The fires have destroyed more than 1,000 homes and left tens of thousands in houses without electricity. Eleven deaths in San Diego County are attributed to the so-called Cedar Fire, which at 150,000 acres was the largest fire as of Monday afternoon. Three people died in San Bernardino in the so-called Old Fire. According to the latest figures available from fire officials, more than 40,000 people have been evacuated as a result of the Old Fire. The Old Fire has since merged with the Grand Prix Fire, now 56,000 acres according to the AP, creating an expansive conflagration. A firefighter trying to curb that blaze suffered second- and third-degree burns Monday, the most serious injury to a firefighter since they began battling the series of blazes late last week. Capt. Greg Cleveland of the Los Angeles County Fire Department said the firefighter was trying to extinguish flames in an area filled with large bales of hay when his leg was burned. He is at a hospital in good condition, Cleveland said. Forced closuresSchools throughout the region canceled classes. With huge clouds of smoke obscuring the sky, some small airports shut down. Los Angeles International Airport canceled several dozen flights and postponed others. (Full story) In San Diego, "only the most essential services" will be operating, Mayor Dick Murphy said. The city is asking residents to conserve water to provide more for firefighters' use. At Murphy's request, NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue announced that the football game scheduled for Monday night between the San Diego Chargers and the Miami Dolphins would be moved from San Diego to Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (Full story) The hot, dry Santa Ana winds were blamed for spreading the flames, but in at least one area, the winds were said to be helping control the fires. Chief Jim Wright of the California Fire Protection Department said the winds are guiding the Old Fire down the San Bernardino mountains, protecting communities in higher areas. "Our concern is if the Santa Anas subside, this fire could turn into a topography-driven fire and race uphill into mountain communities. So we're really concentrating a lot of fire suppression efforts on the northern perimeter of this Old Fire to keep it down," Wright said. Fire officials blame at least two of the fires -- the Grand Prix and the Old fires -- on arson. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said two men in their 20s were seen Saturday morning north of the San Bernardino city limits throwing something into the brush, triggering a fire that quickly grew. City residents threatenedAn 85,000-acre fire raging in Simi Valley, northwest of San Bernardino, moved past the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, which had been threatened earlier Monday, according to the AP.
The blaze worked its way over Highway 118 and into the San Fernando Valley, and residents of the Los Angeles neighborhood Porter Ranch were told that they may have to evacuate. It was the first time since the blazes began that such a warning was given to anyone inside the city. San Diego's fire chief said at least 25,000 acres within the city limits were charred. Near San Bernardino, some residents of San Antonio Heights and Alta Loma were allowed to return to their homes, authorities said Sunday night. Many found only charred rubble. One San Bernardino woman cried at the sight. "[We've lost] our letters, our annuals and pictures when we were babies," she said. "It's not about the value of a washer or a Mustang. It's just about things meaning something because they are part of your life." (Residents make frantic escapes) CNN correspondents Miguel Marquez and Jeff Flock contributed to this report. Copyright 2003 CNN. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.
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