More than 15 separate wildfires continue to burn, basically out of control, from Santa Barbara south to the border with Mexico. There is 0% containment at the moment.

More than 350,000 acres have burned.

More than 500,000 people have been evacuated.

1 person trying to cross the border illegally from Mexico has died.
45 people have been injured.

1500 homes have been destroyed.

500 business have burned.

Neighboring states have sent firefighters and equipment to fight the fires. More than 1800 firefighters are battling the fires.

Gov. Schwarzenegger has mobilized the National Guard to help with fighting fires and evacuating people and animals.

Fairgrounds are being used to house large animals such as horses that have been evacuated.

Stadiums and schools are being used as emergency shelters. All are well supplied. There have been no negative incidents at any of the shelters. The Red Cross and community organizations and churches are providing volunteers and supplies.

Gov. Schwarzenegger has requested help from the Federal Government.

FEMA is on the scene. Additional supplies for the emergency shelters will arrive within the hour.

Military personnel are assisting the firefighters.

Gov. Schwarzenegger has requested that prisons supply firefighting teams. Two prisons have training programs to train inmates as firefighters. 2300 trained prisoners have joined the fight to control the wildfires.

Officials are asking that residents remain ready to evacuate on a moments notice and that they stay off the streets and off their cell phones.

Schools and businesses are closed.

High winds continue to fan the fires and to hamper firefighting efforts.

Late update: at this time...11 pm central standard... 5 more deaths have been reported....

Winds are temporarily calmed somewhat. Should they stay calm it will give the firefighters a chance to contain some of the fires... however, the forecast is for the winds to pick up again during the night.

Damage estimates are approximately a half billion dollars... These are very preliminary estimates.... Number of homes destroyed is estimated to be around 2000 at this time, 11 pm cst, 10-23-07.

UPDATE

http://www.xomba.com/california_wildfires_wed_update

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this person is under arrest....