SILVERADO CANYON (CNS) - A brush fire that has blackened 6,686 acres and destroyed 31 buildings since being triggered by a Silverado Canyon house fire last week was 75% contained as dry, windy weather was again forecast for today.
Firefighters expected Santa Ana winds to peak Tuesday morning, with continuing 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 fire's size was revised down to 6,686 acres, down from 7,375 acres, “due to more accurate mapping,'' officials said.
Nearly 1,200 personnel were assigned to the blaze, along with 10 helicopters, three water tenders and seven dozers, according to Cal Fire and the Orange County Fire Authority.
“Overnight, strong, gusty winds developed over the fire area. Firefighters worked to construct and improve fireline, and patrol the fire area. Firelines continue to hold and today crews will continue to patrol diligently in areas where strong winds could have the potential to spread the fire and threaten adjacent communities,'' officials said Tuesday morning.
The wind-whipped blaze started just before 10:15 p.m. last Wednesday in the 29400 block of Silverado Canyon Drive.
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.
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