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The fires that devastated southern California in the Fall of 2003 have left an indelible mark on the landscape and on people's lives. These photos were taken during the day and evening of Saturday, October 25, 2003 and on subsequent days. The fires continued to spread, devouring everything in their path. Whipped by strong dry winds, the fires consumed hillsides that were bone dry from years of too little rainfall. The fires moved so fast, it was difficult for firefighters to do much more than make a stand where they could. They valiantly saved many homes, but were unable to save hundreds more. the two night time photos were taken near my home and depict the Grand Prix fire near Lytle Creek. The top right photo is of the same fire, taken at sunset from Highland Ave where it crosses Lytle Creek Wash. The remaining pictures were taken in northwestern San Bernardino (just west of Cal State San Bernardino). Similar fires occurred again in October 2007 and will return again and again as long people continue to push the limits of their encroachment into already stressed wildland areas and continue to practice fire suppression instead of allowing normal, natural periodic burns.