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: $14,200,000
Current Situation: Minimal fire activity was observed overnight. Yesterday's burn out operation was successful with only small interior pockets of vegetation remaining. The contingency line on the eastern side of the fire has been completed.
Today's main objectives are to hold and secure containment lines in advance of the expected weekend wind event. A Red Flag warning is posted for Friday evening through Sunday due to gusty winds and low humidity. The Silverado Canyon area remains a primary concern due to the remaining hot spots, steep topography, and the possibility of rolling debris and boulders.
Planned Actions: Maintain public and fire fighter safety. Crews will continue reinforcing and improving the fire lines in preparation for a wind event predicted to arrive tonight. In addition, mop-up and rehab of containment lines is occurring. Fire fighting equipment remains in the area of Silverado Canyon for structure protection.
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.
