The October blazes destroyed more than one half of the habitat that was being considered for a newly-established system of wildlife reserves in the rural areas of North County.
These staggering loss amounts were calculated by county damage assessment teams.
All together, the 4 most destructive fires Poomacha, Harris, Witch Creek and Rice - destroyed 2,305 automobiles, motor homes, tractors, boats and 1,262 sheds, garages and other types of out buildings.
406 homes were destroyed in the city of Ramona, 366 in San Diego (mostly in the Rancho Bernardo area), 92 in Poway, 242 in Fallbrook, 75 in the city of Escondido and 126 homes in unincorporated areas.
County damage assessment teams noted that the wildfires tended to spare homes that were constructed using fire-resistant materials and on lots where the homeowners had cleared the area of brush and flammable trees. Homes that were surrounded by overgrown vegetation and brush were easy targets. Proactive home owners who were diligent in keeping the area around their property clear made a begin impact on the ability to save their homes.
In the wake of this disaster, county supervisor Diane Jacob stated that the need for tougher building standards in fire-prone areas may need to be addressed. She continued by stating that we all know we have a water problem and that we live with an ongoing threat of fires. The time may be now to restrict the types of vegetation planted around properties and to more closely regulate the types of building material used in new construction.
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