The Cedar Fire Spreads in Southern California (2003)

One of 15 fires that ravaged Southern California during October 2003, the Cedar Fire was the largest wildfire in the state's history. Fanned by the Santa Ana Winds, the Cedar Fire burned 280,278 acres (1,134 sq km), destroyed 2,820 buildings, and killed 15 people. The devastation caused by the fire led to criticism of the emergency response and calls for changes in the regulations for firefighting aircraft. How did the fire start? More...