At least 12 major fires burned in southern California in late October. Fueled by Santa Ana winds, which reached hurricane strength, the fires burned over 518,000 acres; destroyed over 3100 structures, including 2200 homes; and killed at least seven people. More than 120 firefighters and 25 civilians were injured in the fires. Two of the fires are being blamed on arson, and at least five—including the Witch fire, which burned nearly 200,000 acres—are being blamed on electrical power lines. Investigators say high-voltage lines can start fires when they cross ortouch tree branches or hit the ground, causing the electrical current to arc in explosions of sparks. The high winds blew branches and tree limbs into the power lines, causing the fires to ignite. The fires affected areas of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties. More than 500,000 people were evacuated from their homes, a greater number than were evacuated along the U.S. Gulf Coast during Hurricane Katrina.
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