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President George W. Bush meets with the Bentley family during a walking tour of the fire-damaged Harbison Canyon community in San Diego, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2003. The Bentley family lost their home in last week's wildfires.
White House photo by Eric Draper.

Major fires began in Southern California on October 24, eventually growing to twelve large fires covering more than 746,000 acres, becoming one of the largest set of fires ever in California. As of November 3, seven of these fires have been contained. Five fires continue to burn uncontained including the 280,000 acre Cedar Fire east of San Diego. The fires destroyed over 4,600 buildings (including more than 3,300 residences) and resulted in the deaths of 20 people, and caused over 180 injuries. Nearly 100,000 people have been evacuated and over 3,500 people have used temporary shelters.

Approximately 300,000 customers have lost power, communications have been disrupted and schools have been forced to close. Fourteen Indian reservations have been impacted by the fires and at least seven sustained severe damage. Air quality in much of Southern California fell to unhealthy levels and residents were advised to stay indoors as much as possible.

The overall recovery effort will include providing immediate assistance to displaced residents and businesses, and then helping them rebuild; repairing damaged infrastructure; and preventing or minimizing damage from floos and mudslides expected from winter rains.

November 4, 2003
President Thanks Firefighters
November 4, 2003
President Visits California
October 30, 2003
FEMA Ramps up Response Capabilities
October 29, 2003
FEMA Update
October 28, 2003
Homeland Security Provides Resources
October 27, 2003
President Orders Federal Aid
More News »  

October 29, 2003
Secretary Ann Veneman
October 28, 2003
Under Secretary Mike Brown

November 4, 2003
Briefing Excerpt
October 29, 2003
Briefing Excerpt
October 28, 2003
Briefing Excerpt
October 27, 2003
Briefing Excerpt
October 27, 2003
Briefing Excerpt


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