Incident: Santiago
Released: 11/2/2007
Acres: 28,400 Acres Percent Containment: 90% Line to Build: 0 miles Estimated Containment: 11/04/07
Equipment:
Hand Crews: 28 Dozers: 15 Engines: 116 Water Tenders: 23
Air Tankers: 4 Helicopters: 13 Overhead Personnel: 269 Total Personnel: 1,357
Injuries: 12 Estimated Cost: $13,600,000
Current Situation: The Silverado Canyon area remains a primary concern due to the steep topography and possibility of rolling debris. As a result, the fire continues to threaten structures on private property within the Silverado area. Additionally, the Blue Light hazmat mine site contains many remaining heat sources. Today, personnel continued to reinforce containment lines and suppress hot spots utilizing crews and helicopters. The unburned island in the eastern portion of the fire area was ignited by crews using a heli-torch to facilitate ignition. The burning operations are now complete.
Planned Actions: Maintain public and fire fighter safety. Fire fighting equipment remains in the area of Silverado Canyon for structure protection. Both the area where the burnout occurred and the area above Silverado Canyon will be flown and a high resolution infrared assessment will be conducted to determine heat sources remaining in these areas. Tonight, crews will continue reinforcing and improving the fire lines in preparation for a wind event predicted for Friday evening. Tomorrow, crews and aircraft will continue to work in the Silverado Canyon watershed to hold and improve the fire line.
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 has located the white Ford pick-up truck of interest. The driver has been interviewed and is not considered a suspect. No further tips regarding this vehicle of interest are needed.
There were 30-40 people at the intersection of Blackstar Canyon Rd. and Silverado Canyon Rd. between 5:45pm 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.
