A brush fire that has blackened 7,375 acres and destroyed 31 buildings since being triggered by a Silverado Canyon house fire last week was 70% contained Monday evening, as firefighters braced for another Santa Ana wind event with the potential to fan the flames.
Overnight Sunday, firefighters continued to construct firelines and patrol the fire area, with nearly 1,500 crew members from various agencies assigned to the firefight.
On Monday night, nearly 1,200 personnel were assigned to the blaze, along with 10 helicopters, three water tenders and seven dozers, according to fire officials.
“Firelines continue to hold and overnight crews will patrol diligently in areas where strong winds could have the potential to spread the fire and threaten adjacent communities,” fire officials said Monday night. “Santa Ana winds are expected to peak tomorrow morning.”
Firefighters expect “moderate Santa Ana winds” with dry conditions and low humidity, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning that will remain in effect through Tuesday night.
The wind-whipped blaze started just before 10:15 p.m. Wednesday in the 29400 block of Silverado Canyon Drive. In addition to the 31 destroyed structures, 21 were damaged, officials said.
All evacuation orders were previously lifted, but evacuation warnings remain in effect for:
–Blackstar Canyon;
–Baker Canyon;
–Silverado Canyon;
–Williams Canyon;
–Modjeska Canyon;
–Portola Hills in Lake Forest; and
— the northern Trabuco Canyon area.
Displaced residents needing a place to stay were told to go to El Modena High School in Orange.
Full road closures include Highway 241 at Santiago Canyon Road and Santiago Canyon Road at Silverado Canyon Road. Only residents are able to traverse Santiago Canyon Road at Ridgeline Road.
Animal evacuation centers were set up at the Anaheim Equestrian Centre at 1370 S. Sanderson Ave. and the Orange County Fair & Event Center.