San Diego and its backcountry suffer from periodic wildfires . In October 2003 , San Diego was the site of the Cedar Fire , at that time the largest wildfire in California over the past century . The fire burned , killed 15 people , and destroyed more than 2,200 homes . In addition to damage caused by the fire , smoke resulted in a significant increase in emergency room visits due to asthma , respiratory problems , eye irritation , and smoke inhalation ; the poor air quality caused San Diego County schools to close for a week . Wildfires four years later destroyed some areas , particularly within Rancho Bernardo , as well as the nearby communities of Rancho Santa Fe and Ramona
Wildfires four years later
October 2007 California wildfires
San Diego