In October 2007, fierce Santa Ana winds swept across Southern California, igniting several wildfires. The largest was the Witch Creek fire in San Diego County, which burned 197,990 acres, killed two people, injured 40 firefighters, and destroyed 1,650 structures. Other wildfires burned more than 73,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of structures.2
On November 16, 2007, Cal Fire issued a news release that stated the Witch, Guejito, and Rice Fires had been caused by powerlines.3 Because powerlines were involved, CPSD swiftly began an investigation to determine the exact causes of the wildfires ignited by powerlines. CPSD expects to complete its investigation by July 31, 2008. Cal Fire is also investigating the wildfires. CPSD intends to incorporate into its investigation the results of Cal Fire's investigation. Consequently, CPSD will not be able to finish its investigation until after Cal Fire's investigation is complete.
2 These other wildfires included the Castaic fire (58,400 acres burned), Rice fire (9,480 acres), Malibu fire (4,500 acres), Grass Valley fire (1,250 acres), Cajon fire (250 acres), and the San Pasqual fire (several hundreds acres burned).
3 The Cal Fire news release is contained in the Response of the Center for Biological Diversity and the Sierra Club, Attachment 2.