Posted by D. Cupples | Eight fires are still active in Southern California this morning. Thirteen people have died and more than 60 have suffered injuries; 1,609 homes have been destroyed, and an estimated 695 square miles of land has been burned (L.A. Times).
California has been faced severe droughts, a condition that lends itself to fire. At this point, officials believe that some fires were caused by the Santa Ana Winds' blowing down power lines and some were caused by arson. The cause of other fires is still unknown.
Three people have been arrested: two were looting, and one is suspected of committing arson. Police shot a 27-year old Arizona man for violently evading the police, who apparently suspected him of arson-related activities.
President Bush landed in California today and toured fire-ravaged areas with Gov. Schwarzenegger.
Bill Kavanagh helps illustrate the enormity of this disaster by linking to a Google map of the fires.
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