On October 25, 2003, a lost hunter set a signal fire northeast of Ramona, California near Cedar Falls. The carelessly laid spark ignited what became known as the largest wildfire in the state’s history, the Cedar Fire. With the combination of a drought-ridden environment, pine-beetle infested trees, housing over-development and Santa Anna winds, the Cedar Fire quickly grew into what many considered to be the perfect firestorm. By the time it was 100% contained in mid November, the fire had burned 280,278 acres, killing 14 people, including one firefighter, and destroying 2,232 residences, 22 commercial properties, 566 outbuildings and 148 vehicles. Another 53 residences and 10 outbuildings were damaged.

By the close of the 2003 fire season in California, 11 major wildfires had burned nearly 750,000 acres, destroying some 3,645 homes and causing 22 deaths.