CABAZON, California, 30 October 2006 - The Southern California arson fire that killed four firefighters has been fully contained. An information officer says the Esperanza fire covered more than 40-thousand acres, or about 63 square miles. The fire began on 26 October and wind-driven flames trapped five firefighters within hours. The only survivor is clinging to life at a burn center. The blaze also claimed 34 homes.

This Envisat MERIS image was acquired over southern California and shows the fires still raging near Cabazon. Smoke is visible in the middle right portion of the image.

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