Leave it to Google to take a regional disaster and make a slick web 2.0 web app about it.

The Big G is working with the L.A. Times and Twitter to highlight the billions of fires in the area. The map has clickable fire icons for the L.A. and San Diego area, each showing the percent containment, damages, possible origins, and other pertinent information.

The information’s useful, and the map helps put into perspective just how far-reaching these fires are.

by Casey Schreiner

Founder and Editor of Modern Hiker, Author of "Day Hiking Los Angeles." "Discovering Griffith Park," and "Cloud Spotting." Walking Meditator, Native Plant Enthusiast.