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Online NewsHour:
More than 500,000 people evacuated as winds feed California wildfires. 10.23.07

California wildfires prompt evacuations and emergency measures. 10.22.07

California fires destroy hundreds of homes.
10.27.03

Browse the NewsHour's coverage of weather and North America.

NewsHour Extra:
Top Story: Rebuilding After the California Wildfires 11.12.03

Outside Links:
State of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

Google Map of Fire Area

Extra is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites

The Wilson Family Rebuilds

As The Wilson family of Jamul, Calif., lost their home in the Harris Wildfire of October, 2007. In this audio slide show, four of their seven children share their experiences both before and after their evacuation.
NewsHour with Jim Lehrer

View audio slide show (requires Flash Player)

Download the slide show's audio in MP3 format


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Kitchen Before
Briannah, big brother Nikki and Quinn hang out in the kitchen before the fire. (Speaking: Briannah Wilson)


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Charlotte Wilson's Birthday
Charlotte celebrates her 11th birthday, eight days before the fire destroyed her home. (Speaking: Briannah Wilson)


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Briannah Wilson's New Room
Fifteen-year-old Briannah sits in her new "room," after the Harris Fire destroyed her home in October, 2007. (Speaking: Briannah Wilson)


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Bikes
This is all that remains of the Wilson's bicycles. (Speaking: Briannah Wilson)


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Quinn Wilson
Quinn Wilson is 14 years old. (Speaking: Quinn Wilson)


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Rainbow
A rainbow shines above the Wilsons' home after the fire. (Speaking: Quinn Wilson)


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Water Heater
A water heater is one of the few things remaining after the house was lost. (Speaking: Quinn Wilson)


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The Fireplace
Quinn and his little sister Charlotte explore what is left of their home. (Speaking: Quinn Wilson)


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Kaleigh Wilson
Kaleigh Wilson is twelve years old. (Speaking: Kaleigh Wilson)


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Charlotte at the House
Charlotte explores the grounds around what was once her home. (Speaking: Kaleigh Wilson)


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Safe and Sound Sign
A sign advertising a security system survived the flames at the Wilson house. (Speaking: Kaleigh Wilson)


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Garage
Briannah, Quinn, Kaleigh and Charlotte Wilson and the rest of their family are now living in close quarters in their uncle's garage. (Speaking: Kaleigh Wilson)


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Charlotte and Kaleigh
Charlotte and Kaleigh Wilson in their temporary living quarters. (Speaking: Kaleigh Wilson)


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Charlotte Wilson
Charlotte Wilson is eleven years old. (Speaking: Charlotte Wilson)


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Charlotte and the House
Charlotte sifts through what remains of her California home. (Speaking: Charlotte Wilson)


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Remains
Some metal kitchen items are still recognizable following the fire that destroyed the Wilsons' home. (Speaking: Charlotte Wilson)


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Angels
Stone angels provide a hopeful sign for the Wilsons, who lost everything in the Harris fire. (Speaking: Briannah Wilson)


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Three of the Wilsons
Kaleigh, Briannah and Quinn Wilson mug for the camera. (Speaking: Briannah Wilson)


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Skye Wilson
Skye, the youngest Wilson, holds up a piece of what remains of their fireplace. (Speaking: Briannah Wilson)