2003 California wildfires

2003 California wildfires
Satellite view of the October 2003 wildfires in Southern California, depicting the smoke blowing out over the Pacific Ocean.
Statistics
Total fires9,116
Total area1,020,460 acres (4,129.7 km2)
Impacts
Deaths24 civilians
1 firefighter
Non-fatal injuriesAt least 1 firefighter, 36 civilians
Damage>$2.729 billion (2003 USD)
Season
 2002
2004 

During 2003, 9,116 wildfires burned 1,020,460 acres (4,129.7 km2) across the US state of California. In October, a major wildfire outbreak in Southern California burned more than 750,000 acres, destroyed thousands of homes, and killed two dozen people. Many of the victims were killed in their cars while trying to flee.