What sets the recent fires apart from those ten-years earlier were their size and the amount of destruction they caused, burning more than twice the acreage (745,800 versus 333,700) and destroying well over three times as many dwellings (3640 versus 971). In addition, 33 commercial properties and 1141 other structures were destroyed by the time the fires were subdued by wet, cool weather.

    State officials estimated that damages from the 2003 fires exceeded $2 billion, which is the largest property loss from wildfires in the state's history. Of greater significance, 23 people perished and 174 were injured.

    Many factors contributed to the tremendous loss of life and property--some new, but most recurring. For example, in late October or early November of most years, hot winds blow off the upper deserts and through the dry Southern California mountain ranges. A new twist in 2003 was that the area's forests had experienced a multi-year drought, followed by a bark beetle infestation that had weakened or killed huge stands of trees. The drought also created enormous amounts of fuel in the form of kiln-dried chaparral shrubs on lands near the Pacific Ocean, especially in San Diego County. Given these conditions, a spark was all that was needed to ignite a conflagration that the hot, dry winds could spread uncontrollably.....You can read more.