Santiago Fire Update, October 28 Morning
Incident: Santiago Wildland Fire
Released: 10/28/2007
Acres: 27,900 Acres Percent Containment: 50% Line to Build: 10 miles Estimated Control: No Estimate
Equipment:
Hand Crews: 35 Dozers: 18 Engines: 212 Water Tenders: 13
Air Tankers: 4 Helicopters: 13 Overhead Personnel: 201 Total Personnel: 1,941
Injuries: 6 Estimated Cost: $6,500,000
Current Situation: Today's fire weather forecast calls for warmer and drier conditions that may increase fire behavior. Winds are expected to increase out of the south in the late afternoon and evening hours. Overnight, dozers completed line from Bedford Peak to the bottom of Silverado Canyon.
There was no major fire growth overnight. The fire continues to burn in areas west of the Orange/Riverside County line but has not crossed the county line. Structure protection is in place for all evacuated communities and at the Modjeska and Santiago Peak communications sites. Retardant drops have reinforced fire lines along the county border. Contingency plans have been formulated and decision points established to protect communities in Riverside County. Fire movement will be towards the east and north. The hottest portions of the fire are west of Modjeska Peak, west of Bear Trap Canyon, south of Silverado Canyon and in the Maple Springs area. The fire continues to back down the south slope of Silverado Canyon at a slow rate of spread. The fire is burning in extremely heavy fuels on the Cleveland National Forest.
Planned Actions: Maintain public and fire fighter safety. Crews will build contingency fire line along the Orange/Riverside County line in an effort to prevent the fire from moving into Riverside County. Firefighters also are constructing fire line from Bedford Peak to Silverado Canyon.
Arson Investigation: The investigation is being conducted by the Santiago Fire Investigation Team including Orange County Fire Authority, Orange County Sheriff's Department, ATF, and FBI.
The Investigation Team requests information on a white 1998 - 2004 Ford pickup truck, Model F-150, standard cab with chrome tube running boards. This vehicle is believed to have been in the vicinity of Santiago Canyon Rd. on Sunday, October 21, 2007. 780 tips have been received thus far. Please contact the arson tip line at 800-540-8282. A $250,000 reward has been established.
Evacuations: Mandatory evacuations are in place for the canyon areas off Santiago Canyon Road between Silverado Canyon Road and Live Oak Canyon Road, including the Santiago Estates area and Jackson Ranch Road. Areas along Live Oak Canyon Road through the Trabuco Canyon area, including O'Neill Regional Park to Trabuco Creek Road are also included in this mandatory evacuation.
Road Closures: Santiago Canyon road south of the 241 Toll Road to Live Oak Canyon Road. All of Live Oak Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon Road, and Plano Trabuco Road north of Robinson Ranch Road (northbound only). Check with Cal Trans for freeway and toll road closures; 800/427-7623. Check with your local police department for city street closures or the OC Sheriff at 714/647-7000.
