Los Angeles Times Nov 25, 08 1:11 PM CST
(Newser)
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A Southern California recently ravaged by wildfires will now have to contend with its heaviest rainfall in 9 months—and the possibility of destructive mudslides, the Los Angeles Times reports. The denuded hills of Yorba Linda and Montecito are prime spots for mud flows, having lost vegetation that stabilizes the soil. Today’s storm in the Los Angeles area is expected to deposit between 2 and 3 inches of water.
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As gusts slow, firefighters get reprieve, take preventative measures
Associated Press Nov 16, 08 11:54 AM CST
(AP)
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The winds have let up in Southern California, giving some relief to firefighters battling wildfires that have destroyed hundreds of homes and forced thousands of residents to flee. Gusts in the Sylmar area of Los Angeles were down to 39mph, much lower than the roughly 80mph winds that fanned the huge wildfire there yesterday, the National Weather Service reports.
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Over 100 homes ruined in Montecito; 1,500 still at risk
Los Angeles Times Nov 15, 08 8:40 AM CST
(Newser)
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The wildfire in California’s wealthy Montecito area calmed down yesterday, but not before destroying 111 homes, the Los Angeles Times reports; and a new blaze roared overnight in Sylmar, where 5,000 were evacuated, CNN notes. Firefighters warned that 1,500 homes were still endangered by the as-yet-uncontained Montecito fire, which ate up 1,800 acres, the state’s forestry department said.
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Blaze overwhelms firefighters in enclave of the rich and famous
Los Angeles Times Nov 14, 08 3:19 AM CST
(Newser)
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A wildfire ripped through the wealthy enclave of Montecito in Santa Barbara County last night, destroying some 80 homes, the Los Angeles Times reports. Firefighters were overwhelmed as the wind-driven brushfire spread out of control. Much of the area, home to dozens of celebrities, was evacuated as the blazes spread toward the city of Santa Barbara and firefighters scrambled to stop it.
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Winds could move blaze unpredictably: officials
Los Angeles Times Oct 23, 08 9:27 AM CDT
(Newser)
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A wildfire raging in Los Angeles this morning threatens the Getty Center’s priceless paintings and sculptures, and homes in swanky Brentwood's hills, the Times reports. Firefighters temporarily closed an interstate as more than 500 of them deployed an air assault to battle the early-morning blaze. Officials worry winds picking up after daybreak could make the “dynamic” fire more unpredictable.
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But season for conflagration-fueling winds has just begun
Los Angeles Times Oct 15, 08 1:18 PM CDT
(Newser)
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Firefighters made progress early today in containing two Los Angeles-area fires, as calm winds prevented the flames from blazing a path to the Pacific Ocean, the Los Angeles Times reports. The older of the two fires, the Marek blaze, was 80% contained, and firefighters have begun to cut containment lines for the second fire, which now covers 13,200 acres.
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2 killed, dozens of homes destroyed as flames roar into northern LA
Los Angeles Times Oct 14, 08 3:07 AM CDT
(Newser)
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California's governor has declared a state of emergency as twin wind-driven wildfires tear through north Los Angeles. Unpredictable 60 mph Santa Ana winds are shooting roaring flames up canyons, and firefighters fear that one blaze—which has already jumped an eight-lane freeway—could burn all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Thousands of people have been evacuated, reports the Los Angeles Times.
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Blaze burns homes 20 miles north of Los Angeles
Los Angeles Times Oct 12, 08 6:38 PM CDT
(Newser)
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A wildfire engulfed 750 acres north of Los Angeles today and forced 1,200 people to flee, the Los Angeles Times reports. It also razed two houses and three motor homes. As helicopters water-bombed the blaze, officials said firefighters had “a really good handle” on it—but admitted the Santa Ana winds could spread embers and spark new fires overnight.
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Government gives 7 ranchers phones to warn of wildfires
Associated Press Aug 31, 08 6:07 PM CDT
(Newser)
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Cowboys are men of spurs and solitude—and satellite phones, too. Federal and state agencies have equipped seven Idaho ranchers with satellite technology so they can make clear, quick calls if a wildfire breaks out, the AP reports. "Minutes count in that country," one cowboy said. "Right now, it's pretty quiet. But it'll come."
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Hundreds evacuated, homes destroyed in blaze
Sacramento Bee Jul 28, 08 4:42 AM CDT
(Newser)
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Hundreds of people have been evacuated and 12 homes destroyed as a forest fire rages out of control near Yosemite National Park, the Sacramento Bee reports. The fire, which began Friday, has burned 26,000 acres of forest, including the Mariposa County foothills that serve as the gateway to the famous park. Thousands of firefighters are battling the blaze, apparently ignited by a stray bullet in target practice.
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1,312 square miles destroyed
Los Angeles Times Jul 15, 08 3:48 AM CDT
(Newser)
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California wildfires over the last three weeks have set a record for widespread destruction, reports the Los Angeles Times . Some 840,000 acres—1,300 square miles—have been scorched by 1,700 fires, sparked by lightning strikes. Firefighters are bringing the remaining 300 blazes under control, but officials worry that the worst is yet to come as summer temperatures climb in extremely dry conditions.
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Predicted heat wave will magnify 1,700 fires in Calif.
Los Angeles Times Jul 6, 08 3:03 PM CDT
(Newser)
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Thousands of California firefighters battled a huge blaze today that threatened homes in Santa Barbara County, but lost ground to another fire near Big Sur, the Los Angeles Times reports. And weather likely will not help: Winds, lightning strikes, and fierce heat are expected to hit the state this week. "That just gives us a day of lull," a forest service official said. "The calm before the storm."
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Flocking foreigners capitalize on dollar
San Jose Mercury News Jul 3, 08 4:25 PM CDT
(Newser)
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Near-continuous wildfires and soaring gas prices don’t seem to have made much of a dent in California’s tourism industry, the San Jose Mercury News reports. California's AAA reports only an 0.8% drop in Fourth of July domestic tourism, and a jump in visitors from abroad more than makes up the difference, travel officials say.
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680 square miles scorched by wildfires
USA Today Jul 3, 08 3:27 AM CDT
(Newser)
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California residents have been ordered to evacuate the coastal resort Big Sur as wildfires rage in the hills above the town, USA Today reports. Ash rained on people as they packed cars before fleeing to safety. The Big Sur blaze is one of more than 1,100 wildfires in the state, mostly ignited by lightning, that have charred 680 square miles and destroyed 60 homes.
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