From Ruin to Renewal
The Cedar Fire Story in Pictures

Seen from Space: Smoke from fourteen separate fi res streaks the skies during Southern California’s 2003 Fire Siege. Most are clearly visible in this satellite view taken at the height of the Cedar Fire, October 26, 2003. From north to south: the Piru, Verdale, and Simi fi res north of Los Angeles; the Grand Prix and Old fi res near San Bernardino; the much smaller Roblar 2 Fire near USMC Camp Pendleton; the Paradise Fire in Valley Center; the Cedar Fire stretching across central San Diego County, and the Otay Fire along the international border. A fi re can also be seen in Mexico. Jacques Descloitres, Modis Rapid Response Team, Nasa GSFC
Wildcat Canyon: Th e view from Terra Nova. © 2003 Robert E. Younger
Terra Nova Before: Th e original house shortly after the Youngers moved to Wildcat Canyon in the spring of 2003. © 2003 Robert E. Younger
Terra Nova After: Reduced to rubble. © 2003 Robert E. Younger
Terra Nova Before: Th e original house shortly after the Youngers moved to Wildcat Canyon in the spring of 2003. © 2003 Robert E. Younger
Terra Nova Before: Th e original house shortly after the Youngers moved to Wildcat Canyon in the spring of 2003. © 2003 Robert E. Younger
Sinister Brilliance: A tsunami of fi re surges toward a backcountry home near Wildcat Canyon. © 2003 John Gastaldo/ U-T San Diego/Zumapress.com
Lives Lost: An abandoned car found in Wildcat Canyon bears mute witness to the tragic final moments of canyon neighbors lost in the fi re. © 2003 Dave Gatley
Unstoppable: Th e fi re line dwarfs an engine (upper left) as fl ames approach the San Diego suburban community of Scripps Ranch. © 2003 John Gibbons/U-T San Diego/Zumapress.com
Bird’s-Eye View: San Diego Sheriff ’s deputy and ASTREA helicopter pilot Gene Palos looks toward the Cuyamaca Mountains where smoke defi nes the “backdoor,” or trailing edge, of the Cedar Fire, early Sunday morning, October 26, 2003. Dan Megna
Apocalyptic Skies: Smoke boils across the sky, obscuring the sun, as the southern front of the Cedar Fire jumps Interstate 8 and spreads into the communities of Harbison Canyon and Crest, Sunday afternoon, October 26, 2003. Dan Megna
Air Attack: A water-dropping helicopter appears lilliputian against towering fl ames as it joins the battle to protect homes near the mountain village of Descanso. © K.C. Alfred/U-T San Diego/Zumapress.com
Air Attack: A water-dropping helicopter appears lilliputian against towering fl ames as it joins the battle to protect homes near the mountain village of Descanso. © K.C. Alfred/U-T San Diego/Zumapress.com
Coming Home: Scripps Ranch residents return to their neighborhoods, braced for the worst. © 2003 Howard Lipin/U-T San Diego/Zumapress.com
A New Season: Sandra and Bob Younger enjoy another spring in Wildcat Canyon after rebuilding Terra Nova. © 2006 Ericmillettephotography.com