World News 29-10-2003 California Fires Most Costly Ever who: Mayor Dick Murphy what: Says wildfires are worst in city`s history where: San Diego, California when: Yesterday snippet: "Arsonists are believed to be responsible for at least four of the 10 fires sweeping through southern California," says The Telegraph. "The flames claimed three more lives yesterday, bringing the total to 17, and crossed the border with Mexico. At least 1,500 homes have been destroyed and 60,000 people evacuated." The "infernos blazing a trail of destruction across California" have been declared "the most expensive in its history," says The Times, "with the total cost likely to soar beyond $2 billion (£1.3 billion), adding to an already crippling budget deficit." "Schools, colleges and businesses in southern California have been closed, while electricity supplies have been disrupted and every airport in the area has been affected by delays or cancellations," says The Guardian. Mayor of San Diego, Dick Murphy, called the fires "the worst in San Diego`s history" and president George W Bush pledged federal aid while sending a message of condolence people who had lost friends and relatives. The ranch used for TV`s Little House on the Prairie has been destroyed by the blaze, reports The Mirror. "The Big Sky Ranch north of Los Angeles, where Little House was made, was to be used this week for scenes in The Aviator, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Beckinsale." "There may be some respite on Thursday," says the BBC, "as forecasters predict a light drizzle and a drop in temperatures of between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius." [... more]

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