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: 23 Dozers: 13 Engines: 96 Water Tenders: 18
Air Tankers: 4 Helicopters: 9 Overhead Personnel: 234 Total Personnel: 1,245
Injuries: 13 Estimated Cost: $14,320,000
Current Situation:
Yesterday's burn out operation was successful with only small interior pockets of vegetation remaining. Some of this vegetation burned today reinforcing containment lines. This burning created visible smoke. Crews have been strategically located throughout the fire perimeter in anticipation of the increasing winds.
Tonight's main objectives are to hold and secure containment lines in advance of the expected wind event. A Red Flag warning is posted for late this evening through Sunday morning due to gusty winds, low humidity, and warmer temperatures. 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 continues which is being conducted by the Santiago Fire Investigation Team including Orange County Fire Authority, Orange County Sheriff's Department, ATF, and FBI.
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 orders remain in place for Silverado, Black Star, and Baker Canyons.
Road Closures: Silverado Canyon Rd. remains closed at Santiago Canyon Rd.
