Residents displaced by the fire in the southeast area of California were told, after two weeks of sleeping in tents, cars, and mobile homes, that they could go home.
Silverado residents have been living, eating, and getting community support on an Albertson’s parking lot. Chip Prather, Orange County fire chief, made the announcement, which allowed residents to go back home.
The Santiago Fire has been burning around the area of Silverado, which forced residents to evacuate and leave everything behind. Approximately 80 people were evacuated on Oct. 21 because of the rise of the Santiago Fire, one of three fires in Southern California.
Among Silverado Canyon, Foothill Ranch, and Modjeska Canyon were evacuated. Both towns were allowed to go back home in less than a week. But because of Santa Ana winds rising up and fire still active in Silverado, returning home was delayed.
“We had three goals when we started,” said Prather. “We want nobody dying, nobody injured, and no homes lost.”
But because the Santiago Fire burned 28,400 acres of land these goals were very hard to accomplish. According to Prather, 15 houses were lost, some injuries, and no fatalities.
The fire is 90% contained but should be under control in less than a week.
The damage results of the fire in Modjeska Canyon were minor, but hearts were still broken.
“American flags were put on the area where a house was burned,” said Bobbi Tunstall. “We were so happy when we were told to come back home but the damage is still here.” The majority of the houses were saved, but according to reports, seven houses were lost.
Other fires that were active like the Santiago Fire were Poomacha Fire, Witch Fire, and Harris Fire. Because of all these fires, the whole Cleveland National Forest was closed for the public and will not be open anytime soon.
Since Oct. 21, more than 350,240 acres were burned, more than 5,200 firefighters were involved, and more than $41 million worth of damage have been reported as a result of these fires. Fires have been occurring in between Los Angeles and San Diego. For more information visit www.fs.fed.us/r5/Cleveland. or call (858) 673-6180.