Canyon Fire: Firefighters Reflect On A Week Of Wildfire

ANAHEIM, CA — The Canyon Fire has reached 90-percent containment as of Friday. At most recent count, 2,662 acres have burned, a more accurate total with the help of GPS mapping, according to OCFA Capt. Steve Concialdi.

You can hear the exhaustion in the voices of firefighters, see it in their eyes, along with a quiet determination that their job isn't finished, won't be finished until they have reached 100-percent containment and can set about mopping things up.

After several days of heat, low humidity and searing Santa Ana winds, a common thread among fire officials is the amazement that more homes were not lost. This is attributed to the creation of defensible space around newly constructed homes.

The fire which began off the 91 Freeway on Monday, Sept. 25 created hellish driving conditions for commuters who were stuck in traffic, where car windows became like oven doors, and daylight was squashed by a plume of acrid black smoke.

On Tuesday, a semi-truck driver on the 91 eastbound near the 71 freeway's trailer caught fire from blowing embers.

"He was able to detach tractor from trailer, and save his rig, but had to leave the trailer where it was, burning on the side of the freeway," Concialdi said.

Winds shifted, embers blew, igniting foliage and grassland of the fast moving brush fire. Nearly 2,000 residents of Corona were forced to evacuate their homes, not knowing what they would find upon their return home.

All in all, six structures were damaged in the blaze, including homes, one commercial building and one out-building. That, all on the Corona side of the fire. Anaheim Fire was waiting, watching and ready, to give evacuation orders in case of wind shift.

Concialdi and others drove into the darkness as residents were quickly packing cars with belongings, important papers, prescription glasses, kids, pets and last- minute items. They drove out even as the fire engines drove in to halt the flames topping the ridge, racing toward homes.

Captain Concialdi has watched homes burn from wildfires in his many years of service. In the Santiago Fire, the Freeway Complex Fire, in Laguna Beach multiple homes went up in flames, their owners left with nothing but memories.

"Fortunately, in the Canyon Fire, no homes were destroyed and that was all due to the valiant efforts of all of the firefighters on the ground and in the air," Concialdi said.

Residents who returned home thanked firefighters with garage signage and snacks, oranges and waters. Whatever they could do to show thanks for saving so many homes from damage.

As of Friday, West Corona Drive, Skyline Drive and Funston Drive all remain closed to all vehicles, mountain bikers and hikers due to heavy equipment working in the area, Concialdi said. Those closures will last into the weekend.

On Friday, approximately 925 personnel remain assigned to the fire, ranging from stations in Northern California to Southern California. One helicopter will be assigned Friday to continue drops. At the height of the fire, 1,900 personnel worked the fire, 12 helicopters, 272 fire engines, 49 hand crews and 18 dozers creating that perimeter and encircling the blaze to keep the fire in check.

Why were so many homes spared?

Homes in the area followed specific guidelines of creating defensible space, according to Concialdi. There was little to no damage but interior smoke, and that will dissipate with time. One home in particular went the extra mile to clear land up to 50 feet behind his fence line, on San Ramon.

"The homeowner took it upon himself to clear more than needed. Living close to natural vegetation, fire is always a concern, and he wanted defensible space behind his home," Concialdi said. That resident also cleared branches away from his roof and windows, which assisted in saving his home.

"It's evident, from the pictures, how the fire burned right down to where there was mineral soil," Concialdi said.

Vegetation that was not cleared was more apt to spread embers in the blowing winds, as was evident two doors down. "The second home sustained more damage, where embers went into the attic, caught the attic and roof on fire," Concialdi said.

OCFA recommends wire mesh over vent openings to be 1/8-inch as a smaller opening for embers, allowing for less chance of ember intrusion.

"It's been a hard fought battle among all the firefighters, on the ground and in the air over steep and rugged terrain," Concialdi said. "The residents are so thankful to all of the firefighters."

OCFA Courtesy Photos