SILVERADO (CNS) - Amid red-flag conditions brought on by gusting winds and dangerously low humidity, a wildfire raced across terrain in the Santiago Canyon area Monday, Oct. 26, forcing evacuations of 60,000 people in the Orchard Hills area, threatening structures and blocking key roadways.
The blaze erupted at 6:47 a.m. in the area of Santiago Canyon and Silverado Canyon roads, and within an hour it had scorched roughly 50 acres. The fire exploded to more than 2,000 acres with no containment by 10:45 a.m.
Winds were compromising the aerial firefighting effort, with all aircraft grounded by mid-morning due to gusts that rendered water drops ineffective, while also making flying treacherous for pilots.
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for the Orchard Hills community north of Irvin
