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Cover Story - Spanish Version

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Fighting the Fires In California

Spanish Translation

Huge clouds of smoke filled the skies over sections of San Diego, California, last week. People sprayed their rooftops with water. They were trying to protect their homes from raging wildfires.

For several days, wildfires burned across Southern California. In San Diego County alone, more than 500,000 people had to leave their homes. Many found safe places to stay. But by October 25, at least eight people had died. About 1,500 homes were destroyed. Nearly 720 square miles of land was in ashes. That's an area almost half the size of Rhode Island.

A Dangerous Mix

Very dry weather and strong winds caused the fires to spread out of control. As small blazes turned into larger ones, it was difficult for firefighters to keep up. "Fires were popping up all over the place," said one official.

As the flames came closer to their homes, many people had to decide what items they should save. "We took photos and jewelry," one survivor told TIME. "When you only have a few minutes, you just take what is important."

A Plan for the Future

On Thursday, President George†W. Bush visited the area. "The people need to know a lot of folks care about them," he said. For now, survivors are looking to the future. When the fires forced Matt Nowak to leave, he knew that he might not have a home to return to. But he also knew that he was safe. "The fires were scary, but we have hope," he said.

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