On January 22, 2007, a wildfire ignited in the hills behind the old house in Thousand Oaks, California, during a Santa Ana wind event.  Luckily, the winds had already died down, and while the flames came within about 150 yards (137 m) of the house, there was no real danger, and no significant lasting damage.  In the first picture, I think we are seeing a firefighter setting a backfire to contain its spread.  The 5th picture provides a closeup.