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 450,000 acres have burned.

More than 900,000 people have been evacuated.

1 person trying to cross the border illegally from Mexico has died. There are unsubstantiated reports of 4-6 additional deaths.

45 people have been injured. At least 4 have been firefighters.

2000 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. Del Mar Race Track is housing almost 3000 evacuated horses and zebras. Many of their owners have pitched tents and are staying at the track with their animals.

The animals from the San Diego Zoo 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 facilities, volunteers and supplies. More than 16,000 persons are sheltering at Qualcom Stadium. Many have pitched tents in the stadium. Food, clothing, water, internet access,personal items, and medical care is supplied at no cost. Insurance company representatives are at the stadium to assist their insured.

Gov. Schwarzenegger has requested help from the Federal Government. President Bush has declared 7 counties to be disaster areas.

FEMA is on the scene. Additional supplies for the emergency shelters are being supplied by FEMA. There are reported to be excellent communications between the state government and FEMA.

Military personnel are assisting the firefighters.

Camp Pendelton is being evacuated as a new fire has broken through in that area. Interstate 5 and other roads have been closed due to the fires and smoke.

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. Although the winds died down somewhat during the night Tuesday, they have picked back up since sunrise.

Damage estimates are approximately a half billion dollars... These are very preliminary estimates...

Fires in the Malibu area a coming under control These fires were believed to be started by fallen power lines.

Fires in the Orange County area were started by someone deliberated... Fires were started in three different locations.

Authorities have arrested one person on arson charges.

Related articles:

http://www.xomba.com/california_wildfires_update

http://www.xomba.com/orange_county_wildfires_deliberately_set

http://www.xomba.com/12_firefighters_trapped_on_ridge

http://www.xomba.com/firefighters_hold_the_line_at_foothills_ranch

http://www.xomba.com/malibu_wildfire_video