Santiago Fire Update, October 31 Evening
Incident: Santiago Wildland Fire
Released: 10/31/2007
SANTIAGO INCIDENT UPDATE
http://www.fire.ca.gov/ or http://www.inciweb.org/ or http://www.ocfa.org/
October 31, 2007 6:00 PM
Contact: 714-516-2847
Location: Orange County, CA
Acres: 28,445 Acres Percent Containment: 90% Line to Build: 0 miles Estimated Containment: 11/04/07
Equipment:
Hand Crews: 35 Dozers: 17 Engines: 140 Water Tenders: 23
Air Tankers: 1 Helicopters: 8 Overhead Personnel: 228 Total Personnel: 1,638
Injuries: 12 Estimated Cost: $12,100,000
Current Situation: The fire continues to threaten structures on private property within the Silverado area. Rolling debris in this area remains a concern due to the steep topography. The unburned island of fuel in the far eastern side of the fire is still present as firing operations conducted this afternoon were hampered. The completed fire lines were effective today; however, the projected wind event will test the lines.
Planned Actions: Maintain public and fire fighter safety. Tonight crews will continue to reinforce containment lines and suppress hot spots. Fire fighting equipment remains in the area of Silverado Canyon for structure protection. Tomorrow it is expected that aircraft will be used to assist firefighters along the Orange/Riverside county border, and in upper Silverado Canyon. Another attempt will be made tomorrow to burn out the large unburned island of fuel near Modjeska Peak to reduce the threat to containment lines in that area and is the key to our success. Crews are preparing for wind event predicted for Friday.
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 on October 21st, 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.
