1980 Panorama Fire
The Panorama Fire was a wildfire which began on November 24, 1980 and was 100% contained December 1, 1980. The fire was set by an unknown arsonist about 10:50 a.m. near Panorama Point, a county equipment depot along SR-18 in the San Bernardino Mountains in California. The fire's growth was exacerbated by 90 mph Santa Ana Winds which pushed the flames into populated areas in Waterman Canyon and the City of San Bernardino. 325 structures were destroyed, including 310 homes.
Four people died as a result of the fire: Earl Welty, 83, and his wife, Edith, 82, who were caught in the fire; Joseph Benjamin, 54, who collapsed while watering his roof; and Rosa Myers, 64, who suffered a heart attack while being evacuated.
