[nicmarlo]

Ventura County firefighters watch a twister of flame rise from a back fire in Simi Valley, California.

[nicmarlo]

State expects fires to be costliest ever
By Brian Skoloff, The Associated Press
October 28, 2003

SIMI VALLEY -- Wind-driven wildfires gutting communities from the Mexican border to Ventura County will be the most destructive in California history, the state's emergency services director said Monday as the death toll jumped to 15.

At least 1,134 homes and 483,000 acres have gone up in flames.
***
A number of the fires, including Simi Valley, were believed started by arsonists.

"Those who start these fires are no better than domestic terrorists and should be dealt with as such," said Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley.


http://www.insidevc.com/vcs/state/article/0,1375,VCS_122_2382123,00.html

[proud American in Canada]

Wow, what an amazing picture. I just sent an email to a friend of mine in San Diego. What a horrible thing.