Associated Press
 
November 17, 2008
 
LOS ANGELES -- Authorities say they haven't determined how two of three weekend wildfires began in Southern California, but they say the third blaze in the Santa Barbara-area was human-caused.
 
The three fires have destroyed about 1,000 homes and apartments and burned 41,000 acres, or 64 square miles, forcing thousands to flee.
 
The largest of the fires has burned more than 28,000 acres in Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, and destroyed more than 250 homes and apartment units. Investigators believe the blaze began north of the 91 Freeway, near the base of a dam near Corona on Saturday. They say no causes have been ruled out.
 
Officials are also unsure what started a blaze that destroyed nearly 500 homes in a mobile home park in the Sylmar area. Stacks of charred bricks, blackened shells of cars and burned tree trunks are all that remain in much of a Los Angeles community some residents once called the "Beverly Hills of mobile home parks." The mostly retired residents returned today to see what was left of their homes. Firefighters were able to save about 120 homes, but many were badly damaged.
 
It isn't known whether the third fire, which destroyed more than 200 homes in the Santa Barbara area was an accident or intentionally set.
 
Meanwhile, California officials are making the case for helping wildfire victims.
 
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa says President-elect Barack Obama has contacted him to offer what help he could. And Obama's campaign Web site home page is asking visitors to consider doing want they can to help.
 
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has asked the Bush administration to declare Southern California a federal disaster site. He's also wants disaster loans for affected counties.