EL CAJON, Calif. — First responders and other local leaders gathered in El Cajon Wednesday afternoon, remembering the people who lost their lives in the Cedar Fire and the damage it brought 20 years ago.
"It was just devastation, chaos everywhere. We did what we could to get people out of the way and save homes," said Cal Fire Captain Brent Pascua.
"The skies were eerie, wind was blowing, you knew it was going to be not a good day," said San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Colin Stowell.
"It didn't matter how many resources we had at that time. [There were] 60 miles per hour winds, 3600 acres a minute burning through the community. You couldn't see five feet in front of you," he added.
The Cedar Fire was originally reported on October 25, 2003. It started in the Cleveland National Forest near Bonita. Flames ignited after a lost hiker started a fire to signal help. By the next day, the Cedar Fire grew out of control because of the Santa Ana winds. The Paradise Fire and Otay Fire sparked on October 26, 2003.
The wildfires combined burned more than 273,000 acres, a total of 13% of San Diego County's landmass. It also cost the lives of 15 people—that includes Steven Rucker who was a fire engineer who died battling the Cedar Fire near Julian.
The fire also destroyed more than 2500 buildings and homes.
At the time, it was the second most destructive fire in California history. Since then, drought conditions and the 2020 fire season have pushed the fire down to the 10th most destructive.
It is now considered the seventh deadliest fire in state history.
Captain Pascua said a lot of lessons were learned from the Cedar Fire.
"Back then our communications weren't as good as they are now. Back then, we worked well together, but we didn't quite speak the same language. On incidents, large incidents, like the Cedar Fire, it was hard to communicate, to share information," he said.
Now, he said they train together regularly. They all have radios on the same frequencies, they speak the same 'language.' He said they also have more firefighters on staff and a lot more fire equipment compared to what they had 20 years ago.
According to the county, since 2003, its spent $800 million to prepare for wildfires and emergencies. Its invested in new technology, new equipment, and hiring more firefighters.
CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Chief Tony Mecham said we are better prepared now for a large wildfire than ever.
However, all the preparation in the world won't prevent one from happening.
"We are going to have another Cedar fire, I can't tell you when we're to have another Cedar Fire, how big it's going to be, but we are going to have another major fire.," said Chief Mecham. "I think it's important for all of us to stay aware of this fire environment. And for us in public safety, to never let our guard down."