Hot Weather Fuels California Fire Disaster

As of today's count, over 500,000 people have fled the raging wildfires in Southern California. Upwards and going into 1,800 homes have been burned to ashes. Fire fighting officials say, "There is nothing they can do at this point to stop the spread of this horrendous fire."

One life has been lost and approximately 45 injuries have been reported. Of those injured, 21 are firefighters who were injured while battling at least 16 separate fires. At last count, approximately 166 thousand acres of tinder dry forest and brush land has been scorched.

Of course the fact that the temperature is up into the 90s and about 10 degrees above normal during the day in addition to the fact there is no rain in sight continue to fuel and spread these fires. Wind gust upwards to 60 miles per hour, and increasing, is not helping those who have lost all of their possessions and those who see no end in sight with their property falling directly in line of this massive force of destruction.

Captain Steve Morris, a disaster expert with The California Area Salvation Army Commander, is always on the scene assisting as necessary when an area is in need. He understands the trauma individuals go through when experiencing loss of any kind in the event of a disaster. Captain Morris along with firefighter Robin Wills have promised to not stop until everyone is safe.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "These fires are causing terrible and tragic destruction in our state, but we are responding and promise to continue fighting until the danger and destruction is over." His encouragement and determination were reinforced after touring the site of major destruction in the town of Lake Arrowhead east of Los Angeles.

Spokespersons for President Bush announced that he will travel to California on October 24, to view the damage. He has already declared California in a State of Emergency and ordered all heads of the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to report to California with relief efforts to be put in place.

According to California resident, Cheryl Havinswood, The fires seen at this time are worst than ever experienced before in the state. However, in 2003 22 people were killed and over 3000 homes were destroyed during that fire.

One Forestry official stated that there are just not enough air assets, not enough helicopters, not enough air tankers. There are just not enough resources available to fight this fire. The force of the wind is causing the fire to travel so fast, there are not enough crews with enough equipment available to prevent the spread or to even stabilize it.

Residents and officials however, are encouraged by the fact that they have been able to evacuate individuals speedily enough to prevent and keep losses of lives to a minimum. As individuals are being placed in evacuation facilities, some are being moved just as quickly due to the threat of the impeding fire.

Fire officials have also been waiting for any decrease in the velocity of the Santa Anna Winds. If and when they diminish, some hope is in sight to curtail if not prevent some of the intensity of the damage.