At the time, the Cedar Fire was the largest wildland fire in California history. It started 25 miles east of San Diego, in the Cleveland National Forest, when a hunter became lost and lit a small fire to signal for help. It quickly spread out of control. At 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 25, 2003, it was reported at 20 acres. By midnight it was 5,500 acres, and by 3 a.m. 62,000 acres. The Cedar Fire first crossed into the City of San Diego at 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 26.

The Fire-Rescue Department responded with 50 engine companies,11 brush rigs, nine truck companies and two airport firefighting rigs. The communities of Scripps Ranch and Tierrasanta were hardest hit by the fire. By the time containment was declared on Oct. 28, 28,676 acres within the city had burned. A total of 335 structures were destroyed and 71 others were damaged. The dollar loss was estimated at $204 million. Throughout the county, the Cedar Fire destroyed 280,278 acres, 2,820 buildings and killed 15 people.