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Introductory Statement

In October of 2007, a series of large wildfires ignited and burned hundreds of thousands
of acres in Southern California. The fires displaced nearly one million residents, destroyed
thousands of homes, and sadly took the lives of 10 people.
Shortly after the fire siege began, a team was commissioned by CAL FIRE, the U.S. Forest
Service and OES to gather data and measure the response from the numerous fire agencies
involved. This report is the result of the team’s efforts and is based upon the best available
information and all known facts that have been accumulated.
In addition to outlining the fire conditions leading up to the 2007 siege, this report presents
statistics —including availability of firefighting resources, acreage engaged, and weather
conditions—alongside the strategies that were employed by fire commanders to create a
complete day-by-day account of the firefighting effort.
The ability to protect the lives, property, and natural resources of the residents of California is
contingent upon the strength of cooperation and coordination among federal, state and local
firefighting agencies. By utilizing the information contained within this report, fire managers will
create lessons learned that will be utilized continually to improve the response to wildfires.

Ruben GRijalva Randy MooRe HenRy RenteRia
Director Regional Forester Director
California Department Pacific Southwest Region Office of Emergency Services
Forestry and Fire Protection U.S. Forest Service (OES)
(CAL FIRE)

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