[rwfromkansas]

Burned 100 acres but only three houses.

Until these fires actually hit a populated area, I don’t really consider California fires news anymore....

[kingu]

The Sylmar fire is in a moderately densely populated area, more than 70 homes are burned at this time, though that number will be rising as the 70 wouldn't even account for the mobile home park firefighters had to abandon to the flames, and has reached into areas that are not normally considered fire risks, leaping the 210 and the 5 freeways.

This link gives a pretty detailed map of the present evacuation area, though firefighters have expressed the desire that anyone living within ten blocks of it should get out of the way, or be ready to be evacuated at a moment's notice.

[Deo volente]

Until these fires actually hit a populated area, I don’t really consider California fires news anymore....

Well, since you're from Kansas, I'll give you a break, but where have you been???
Many of these fires hit populated areas very hard, destroying hundreds of homes. Do you remember the awful fires of October, 2003 that burned through vast populated areas of San Diego and Riverside County? How about the Laguna Beach firestorm of 1993, that burned almost 400 homes to the ground? Or the Malibu fires of 1993 and 1996?

How about just two days ago, when 100 luxury homes were destroyed near Santa Barbara? I could go on and on...

Let me tell you, this is BIG news out here in Los Angeles. Thousands of people are wondering whether their homes will still be there when they finally get to leave the evacuation centers.

[Redcloak]

You’ll be happy to know that the fire has moved deeper into the City of L.A. and that more homes are burning.

Is it news now?

[CindyDawg]

I’ve seen how the media become drama queens during storms so I can kind of relate to what you are saying but...We know hurricanes, freezes, floods, fire, and TORNADOS are going to happen but when they do that doesn’t mean it’s not important or news worthy.

[ken in texas]

Until these fires actually hit a populated area, I don’t really consider California fires news anymore....

Then I'm guessing you've never seen what some of the California landscape is like. Why don't you just chill out and come back in a day or two when you have a more realistic outlook on the tragedies that are happening.