Guide Note

Near the end of October, 2007, 38,000 acres of land were burned and 15,000 people evacuated due to wildfires in Agua Dulce and Canyon Country, California. Several other fires tore across Southern California at the same time, instigating the largest evacuation in California history.

Fast Facts

1. Also known as the "Buckwheat Fire"
2. Fires were exacerbated by the strong Santa Ana Winds
3. 25 structures were destroyed
4. Four people were injured

The fire was accidentally started on October 21, 2007 by a 10-year old boy who was playing with matches. The boy admitted his mistake to police and the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office decided not to file charges against him.

"There is no evidence of intent on the part of the minor. The District Attorney's Office is referring the matter to the Department of Children and Family Services for evaluation of the minor's situation to determine if other intervention is necessary."—D.A. Steve Cooley ¹