Harris Fire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harris Fire |
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Aerial view of the Harris Fire on October 23, 2007, at 12:05 PM PDT
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| Location | Potrero, San Diego, California |
| Statistics | |
| Cost | >$21 million (2007 USD) |
| Date(s) | October 21, 2007 – November 16, 2007 |
| Burned area | 90,440 acres (366 km2) |
| Buildings destroyed |
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| Deaths | 8 civilians |
| Non-fatal injuries | 21 civilians 40 firefighters |
The Harris Fire was a very large wildfire that happened in southern San Diego County. It started on October 21, 2007. This fire burned a huge area of about 90,440 acres (36,600 hectares). It was finally stopped on November 5, 2007. Even after it was contained, small hot spots kept burning until November 16. This made the Harris Fire the last of the big October 2007 California wildfires to be fully put out.
The fire began near Harris Ranch Road in a town called Potrero. This area is in the far south of San Diego County, close to Tecate, Mexico. As the fire grew, it spread towards the northwest. The Harris Fire was the second-biggest wildfire during the October 2007 events. Only the Witch Fire was larger. The exact reason why the Harris Fire started is still unknown. Sadly, it was the deadliest fire of the October 2007 wildfires, causing eight deaths.
What Happened During the Fire?
The Harris Fire began at 9:23 AM on October 21, 2007. It started in Potrero, which is in southeastern San Diego County. This spot was very close to the border with Mexico.
By October 23, the fire had moved closer to the eastern parts of Chula Vista. Because of the danger, many nearby communities had to leave their homes. Safe places called evacuation centers were set up. These centers were often at local high schools or community buildings.
Sadly, some people lost their lives because of the fire. A resident named Thomas James Varshock, who was 52, died on his property in Potrero. His teenage son was hurt with burns. Four firefighters from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection were also injured while trying to help. The fire also led to the deaths of four people near the U.S.–Mexico border. About 1,210 firefighters worked hard to fight this massive fire.
The Harris Fire also crossed the border and burned into northern Mexico. This happened near the city of Tecate.
Finally, on November 5, 2007, firefighters had the Harris Fire 100% contained. This means they had built lines around it to stop it from spreading further. However, small hot spots continued to burn inside the fire's edges. These last hot spots were finally put out on November 16, marking the end of the Harris Fire.
