Nearly 12,000 fire fighters using over 1200 fire engines fought devastating wild fires in Southern California that broke out October 21, 2007.  Driven by fierce Santa Anna winds more than a dozen fires broke out in Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernadino, Riverside and San Diego Counties.  Strike teams from all over the western United States helped fight the fires including firemen from Escalon and other local departments.   More than 18 active wild fires destroyed nearly 1500 homes and forced the evacuation of half a million people.  More than 10 people were killed and several injured.   666 square miles burned in 7 counties all declared major disaster areas.    

Facts:

* 18 active fires from Los Angeles County to the Mexican border

* More than 500,000 people evacuated, largest number in California history, most of them in the San Diego area.

* More than 1,436 homes lost, 25,000 structures threatened statewide

* More than 14,000 people in 38 shelters

* Six people dead, around 40 injured, including at least 18 firefighters

* 426,000 acres (172,400 hectares) or 666 square miles burned

* Seven Southern California counties declared major disaster areas