Freeways throughout the fire areas have been closed including Highway 126, 118, 23 in Ventura County.In San Bernardino County, the so-called Old Fire destroyed more than 400 homes before jumping the highway and heading into the heavily forested area of Crestline, where 25 more homes were lost.Gov. Gray Davis asked President Bush to declare Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties disaster areas to qualify them for federal aid.The so-called Cedar Fire killed nine people in San Diego County and witnesses said the blaze moved so fast that they didn’t get any warning until the fire was upon them.In San Bernardino, the Old Fire and Grand Prix Fire merged Sunday, creating a fire front almost 40 miles long.Firefighters have been spread thinly around threatened Southern California communities and the gusty wind has prevented air tankers from dropping retardant; in some cases backfires could not be lit due to the winds.
13 killed, over 825 homes lost in fires
October 29, 2003
Santa Paula News
Santa Paula dodged the bullet of two fires but throughout California at least 13 people have died and more than 825 homes have been destroyed in the worst outbreak of fire in a decade.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesSanta Paula dodged the bullet of two fires but throughout California at least 13 people have died and more than 825 homes have been destroyed in the worst outbreak of fire in a decade.As of press time Monday six residences had been destroyed and eight damaged in Ventura County, with many outbuildings lost and no end in sight.Santa Paula was in the path of the Simi Fire, which jumped over the mountain ranges and through canyons early Sunday morning. Later concern centered on the Piru Fire, which suddenly raged out of control Sunday afternoon and was headed to Santa Paula along the north side; the fire was stopped at Goodenough Road.The wildfires throughout the southern state were driven by hot Santa Ana winds and fueled by dense, dry brush that exploded with fire. An estimated 30,000 homes were endangered by the fires that ranged from the Mexican border to Ojai.As of press time Monday, fire was raging in several areas including Simi Valley near Chatsworth.The blazes have charred more than 330,000 acres of dense, dry brush and trees. More than 7,000 firefighters have battled the spreading flames, often working 24-hours straight.Shortly before 6 a.m. Monday, the 80,000-acre blaze in Simi Valley jumped the 118 Highway and came within yards of several homes before the wind eased for firefighters. The fire was threatening Box and Bell canyons as of press time.Schools in Simi Valley and Moorpark were closed Monday because of the fire.
