Southern California Wildfire Resources

With all the wildfires contained, the hard task of rebuilding begins.  This web feature is intended to give you information about the fires, resources, and the recovery efforts.  I hope that you find it useful. 

When I visited Qualcomm Stadium, the largest evacuation site in San Diego,  I had the chance to talk with Federal Emergency Management Agency Director David Paulison, Congresswoman Susan Davis, San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts and San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders.  Thousands of people were there, living out of their cars or sleeping in tents or in the stadium.  I was so pleased to see the spirit of Californians alive and well.  People were showing up to make donations of food and clothing.  Other people were there to provide counseling services, entertainment, or to help in the many of tasks that needed to be done.  Among the many volunteers were the actual evacuees.  Everyone is aware of the seriousness of the situation, but also seemed grateful that they had a safe place to be.

I want to thank everyone who has volunteered in this crisis.  Some large companies have provided major donations, while many, many people have simply decided to lend a hand.  All of these efforts are appreciated and they are what make me so proud to represent California.  Our people have responded in such a generous and thoughtful way.

Wildfire Statistics

California wildfire overall statistics (as of Oct 30th):

-Acreage: 516,356

-Homes destroyed: 2,013

-Deaths: Seven directly due to fire; seven involving evacuees, including infirmity, age, accident.

-Injuries: 71 firefighters, 27 civilians

-Current evacuees: at least 1,432 people in 13 shelters

-Harris Fire: 90,750 acres 70 miles southeast of San Diego. 70 percent contained. 206 homes, 247 outbuildings, one commercial building destroyed. Five killed. 21 civilians, 16 firefighters injured. Firefighting cost: $9.7 million.

-Witch Fire: About 197,990 acres from Witch Creek to Rancho Santa Fe. 90 percent contained. 1,040 homes, 30 commercial properties, 414 outbuildings destroyed. Two killed. Two civilians, 38 firefighters injured. Firefighting cost: $11.3 million.

-Poomacha Fire: 49,150 acres on La Jolla Indian Reservation and northeastern county territory. 50 percent contained. 136 homes, 19 outbuildings destroyed. 14 firefighters injured. Firefighting cost: $5.2 million.

-Slide Fire: 12,789 acres in Green Valley Lake area of the San Bernardino Mountains. 85 percent contained. 201 homes, three outbuildings destroyed. One firefighter injured. Firefighting cost: $8 million.

-Grass Valley Fire: 1,247 acres in Grass Valley area of the San Bernardino Mountains. 95 percent contained. 174 homes, two outbuildings destroyed. Firefighting cost: $4.6 million.

-Santiago Fire: 28,012 acres east of Irvine. 65 percent contained. 16 homes destroyed. Eight structures damaged. Eight firefighters injured. Firefighting cost: $7.9 million.

-Ranch Fire: 58,401 acres in northern Los Angeles County and eastern Ventura County near Piru. 97 percent contained. One home, nine outbuildings destroyed. One firefighter injured. Firefighting cost: $9 million.

Major Contained Fires:

-Rice Fire: 9,000 acres in Fallbrook. 206 homes, 40 outbuildings, 91 autos, two commercial properties destroyed. 200 homes threatened. Three firefighters injured. Firefighting cost: $3.1 million.

-Buckweed: 38,356 acres near Agua Dulce. 21 homes, 22 outbuildings, two bridges destroyed. Three civilians, two firefighters injured. Firefighting cost: $7.4 million.

-Canyon: 4,565 acres in Malibu. Six homes, two businesses, one church destroyed. Three firefighters injured. Firefighting cost: $5.8 million.

-Magic: 2,824 acres.

-Horno/Ammo Fire: 21,084 acres on Camp Pendleton Marine base.

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