Fresh Avocado (© photo, courtesy of California Avocado Commission)

There have been lives lost and well over 1,000 homes destroyed by the wildfires that swept through Southern California this week, but the state’s important avocado crop remains intact, according to the California Avocado Commission.

"Our primary concern has been the personal safety of our growers and their families," said Commission President Mark Affleck. "Some growers have suffered losses and we will do everything possible to help them through this difficult time."

"Early reports from other sources stated that 20,000 acres of avocados were lost in the fires in San Diego. This information was incorrect," said Guy Witney, the Commission's Director of Industry Affairs. "The actual area affected is expected to be only a fraction of that amount."

If you'd like to view the press release on which this item was based go to: California Avocado Crop Largely Intact Reports the California Avocado Commission