World News 28-10-2003 Wildfire Claims 14 Lives who: George W Bush what: Declares deadly wildfire a national disaster where: San Diego, California when: Yesterday snippet: "The deadliest wildfires to hit California in half a century" have already claimed 14 lives and destroyed 1,000 homes across 500 square miles from the Mexican border to the suburbs of Los Angeles, reports The Scotsman this morning - and despite the efforts of 7,000 firefighters, the blaze continues to spread. "President Bush has declared a disaster area, a move that will free up federal funds to help those affected rebuild their homes," says the BBC. "A state of emergency has been declared in the counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura." "Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated," says The guardian, which blames "a combination of years of drought, strong autumn winds, wily arsonists, careless hunters, bark beetles and man`s desire to tame nature". The Scotsman`s Jacqui Goddard does not say which historically significant blaze she`s referring to which took place 50 years ago. The Times, The Guardian, The Independent and The Telegraph all agree these are the worst fires since 1991 "when 25 people died and 3,000 homes were destroyed in Oakland, northern California". The Evening Standard harks back to "1993 when 1,000 homes were destroyed near Malibu, California". Congratulations to The Scotsman for winning the numbers game by a factor of five to one. [... more]

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