Firefighter Suffers 'Steam Burns' in Irvine Blaz

An Orange County firefighter suffered "steam burns" to his hands battling a wind-driven blaze that scorched two Irvine homes this afternoon.

The blaze at Quebrada and Aldea broke out about 1 p.m. in a two-story, 3,200-square-foot home, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said.

"The wind fed the fire and it severely damaged the upstairs and downstairs of the home," Concialdi said.

High winds pushed the flames over to a neighboring home, scorching the side and an upstairs window, Concialdi said.

About 60 firefighters were able to keep the flames from spreading to a row of homes about 100 feet away behind a backyard wall, Concialdi said.

"Embers were being thrown a couple of blocks away because of the wind," Concialdi said.

The fire was contained by about 2 p.m., the captain said.

A firefighter suffered first- and second-degree burns to his hands because of the intensity of the heat, Concialdi said.

"Even though he was wearing protective gloves it burned his hands," Concialdi said. "They're what we call steam burns."

The firefighter was taken to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, where he was expected to be treated and released later today, Concialdi said.

--City News Service