Late October 2007, San Diego wildfires raged out of control causing an area of more than twice the size of New Your City to burn. There were sixteen active fires from Los Angeles County to the Mexican border. Five hundred thousand people were forced to evacuate and many of those allowed to return have found their homes destroyed but their neighbors' homes were okay. Two thousand homes and one hundred and eighty commercial buildings were destroyed or damaged. Twelve thousand firefighters battled the flames. The death toll was minimal. Arson is being investigated.
Suddenly
The fires came
In their path
They would lay claim
Fires given
Different names
Came to play
Their deadly games
No mementos
Could they take
Knowing lives
Would be at stake
Santa Ana
Winds would blow
Fires raged
An orange glow
Skies were filled
With acrid smoke
Thick enough
To nearly choke
Seeking shelter
Those who fled
Had to leave
Their cozy bed
Firefighters
Had the skills
Dragging hoses
Up steep hills
Homes were spared
Homes were burned
Everybody
Was concerned
Heaps of rubble
Nothing left
Fire caused
This major theft
Homes rebuilt
Just like before
Never knowing
What's in store
By, Randee Saber 10/26/07
