(Photo by John DeLeon)

On Sept. 28, the Topanga Fire erupted near Chatsworth, Calif., and quickly spread along the Los Angeles-Ventura county line, threatening approximately 1,500 structures. Flames scorched 17,000 acres in the first 24 hours, prompting an aggressive attack from multiple agencies.

Dry fuel, low humidity and 50-plus mph Santa Ana winds made containment efforts difficult for the 3,000-plus firefighters battling the blaze. Firefighters conducted structure protection, burnout operations and aggressive direct attacks with the use of air support. They also constructed 49 miles of fireline in steep and inaccessible terrain to prevent the fire from spreading.

The fire ultimately burned more than 24,000 acres and destroyed three residences, three commercial buildings and seven outbuildings. The fire, which cost more than $16 million to fight, was contained on Oct. 5.