Old Fire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Fire |
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| Location | San Bernardino Mountains, California, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 34°12′N 117°17′W / 34.20°N 117.28°W |
| Statistics | |
| Cost | $1.2 billion (2003 USD) |
| Date(s) | October 25, 2003 – November 2, 2003 |
| Burned area | 91,281 acres (369 km2) |
| Cause | Arson |
| Buildings destroyed | 975 |
| Deaths | 6 |
| Perpetrator(s) | Rickie Lee Fowler |
| Map | |
 Location in southern California
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The Old Fire was a very large wildfire that started on October 25, 2003. It began near Old Waterman Canyon Road in the San Bernardino Mountains of San Bernardino County, Southern California. This fire caused a lot of damage, costing at least $1.2 billion.
The Old Fire was one of 15 big wildfires burning across Southern California that month. This period is often called the "2003 Firestorm." Another huge fire during this time was the Cedar Fire, which was one of the largest in California's history.
What Happened During the Old Fire?
Strong winds, called Santa Ana winds, helped the Old Fire spread quickly. The fire burned about 91,281 acres (369 square kilometers) of land. It also destroyed 993 homes and sadly caused six deaths.
The fire threatened many towns. These included San Bernardino and Highland. Mountain communities like Cedar Glen, Crestline, Running Springs, and Lake Arrowhead were also in danger. About 80,000 people had to leave their homes for safety. Part of California State University, San Bernardino was also burned.
The Old Fire was finally put out on November 2, 2003. Rain and snow helped firefighters stop the blaze. The total cost to fight the fire was $42 million.
When Fires Combine
Sometimes, different wildfires can merge together. This happened with the Old Fire. The Grand Prix Fire, which started nearby, combined with the Old Fire. When fires merge, they can become even larger and cause more damage. The total cost of these combined fires was almost $1.3 billion. This shows how much wildfires can impact an area, beyond just the cost of fighting them.
How the Old Fire Started
In 2009, a person named Rickie Lee Fowler was found responsible for starting the Old Fire on purpose. Authorities said he was seen throwing a lit flare into dry brush by the road. This act of starting a fire on purpose is called arson.
A court found Rickie Lee Fowler responsible for starting the fire and for the deaths of five people. These people died from heart attacks while trying to escape the fire. In 2013, the court's decision was confirmed.
Another fire, called the Playground Fire, also became part of the Old Fire. This fire started by accident. A 25-year-old man named Jeremiah D. Hope was evacuated from his home. He and some friends drove a vehicle onto dry plants to get a better view of the Old Fire. The vehicle's catalytic converter got very hot and sparked a new fire. This accidental fire quickly spread and joined the Old Fire.
