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Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Fighting the Flames

Spanish Translation

Abigail Carrillo, 12, knew she had to move quickly. "I could see the fire in the mountains," she told TFK. Abigail helped her mother pack up some clothes. Then she grabbed photos and her diary and left the house. Abigail and her family are staying at a shelter. "We're safe here," she says.

Abigail lives in Southern California. The fire near her home started on August 26. Within a week, it had destroyed more than 60 homes and burned large areas of forest.

Striking Back

Because the fire started near a ranger station, it is called the Station Fire. It is the largest of several wildfires burning in California (see map). Dry air, hot temperatures and bone-dry brush are fueling the flames. By Thursday, the fire was 38% contained.

More than 3,600 firefighters are battling the blaze. On the ground, they cleared brush. From the sky, planes and helicopters dumped water and firefighting chemicals onto hot spots. Many firefighters worked day and night. "You can't sleep," says firefighter Jack Hayes. "There's always something you could be doing."

In Good Hands

Fires are common in California in the fall. The state's governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, told people they were in good hands. "We have the best-trained, most courageous firefighters in the world," he said.

Next: You Can Prevent Fires