Santiago Fire Update, October 29 Morning
Incident: Santiago Wildland Fire
Released: 10/29/2007
Acres: 28,400 Acres Percent Containment: 65% Line to Build: 6 miles Estimated Containment: 11/02/07
Equipment:
Hand Crews: 32 Dozers: 18 Engines: 167 Water Tenders: 13
Air Tankers: 8 Helicopters: 12 Overhead Personnel: 201 Total Personnel: 1,732
Injuries: 8 Estimated Cost: $8,500,000
Current Situation: Cooler temperatures and increased humidity is moderating fire spread. A marine layer is expected to develop overnight, bringing low clouds and areas of drizzle.
The fire grew slightly in the last 24 hours, consuming an additional 388 acres. Structure protection is in place for all evacuated communities and at the Modjeska and Santiago Peak communications sites. The southeast fire line was completed on Sunday, while direct and indirect line construction continued in other locations. A burn plan was been approved for use in Silverado Canyon to meet control objectives and remains an option for future use. Retardant drops reinforced fire lines along the county border, and provided protection between fire and structures in upper Silverado Canyon. The fire continues to burn slowly in extremely heavy vegetation in the Cleveland National Forest.
Planned Actions: Maintain public and fire fighter safety. Completion of line construction will be a priority during this period to limit fire growth. Significant helicopter and fixed wing retardant drops will support line construction and structure protection. Direct line construction will take place in the area of Silverado Canyon where fire fighter safety can be assured. This direct line will limit long term effects from flooding and rockfall that would result from a larger burn area.
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. Over 800 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.
