Santiago Fire Update, October 30 Morning
Incident: Santiago Wildland Fire
Released: 10/30/2007
Acres: 28,445 Acres Percent Containment: 75% Line to Build: 1 miles Estimated Containment: 11/04/07
Equipment:
Hand Crews: 33 Dozers: 18 Engines: 172 Water Tenders: 14
Air Tankers: 6 Helicopters: 12 Overhead Personnel: 246 Total Personnel: 1,833
Injuries: 10 Estimated Cost: $9,500,000
Current Situation: Cooler temperatures and increased humidity assisted in limiting fire spread overnight. Stronger upslope winds may develop today up to 20 mph. The burn plan approved for today is unlikely to be utilized due to increased humidity overnight
The fire continues to burn slowly in the Cleveland National Forest, experiencing occasional short runs of increased intensity. The Silverado Canyon community remains threatened by the fire. Retardant drops reinforced fire lines along the Orange/Riverside county border, and provided protection between fire and structures in upper Silverado Canyon.
Planned Actions: Maintain public and fire fighter safety. Aerial operations will be used to support line construction and structure protection. Indirect line construction will continue in Silverado Canyon and below Modjeska Peak.
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.
There were 30-40 people at the intersection of Blackstar Canyon Rd. and Silverado Canyon Rd. between 5:55pm and 6:15pm the day of the fire. Arson investigators request that anyone who took photos or video at that time, date, and location call the arson tip line at (800)540-8282 to assist with the investigation. For those that have already called the tip line with information, all tips are being answered and contacts being made, so it is not necessary to make repeat tips with the same information.
Evacuations: Mandatory evacuation remains in place for Silverado Canyon.
Road Closures: Silverado Canyon Rd. remains closed at Santiago Canyon Rd.
