This book investigates the key components of emergency management and disaster relief in San Diego County during and after the fires of 2007.It examines San Diego County's emergency management and disaster relief infrastructure. Using the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) the research determines that while the County of San Diego has a strong infrastructure, several of the cities in the County are highly vulnerable, and that vulnerability is compounded by the lack of resources at the municipal level. The study data supports the conclusion that emergency management and disaster response is implemented differently based on the target groups that are affected which is in alignment with Social Construction Theory. The book is designed to serve as a tool for both cities and counties as they review their emergency management practices and allocate limited resources.