Canyon Fire: Evacuation Orders Lifted; Crews Still At Work On Blaze

ANAHEIM, CA — The evacuation orders for more than a thousand residents has been lifted Wednesday morning, fire officials said. Almost 2,000 homes were initially threatened by the Canyon Fire, which is now about 20 percent contained. A few residents whose homes were damaged were allowed in early to examine the damage. A Corona firefighter assisted residents whose home was damaged by the fire, helping to gather some of their remaining belongings.

Charred hillsides, smoking trees and power poles and even some downed power lines are at the worst of it, according to fire officials. Residents have been told to stay away from trees and poles that look badly burned.

Three homes were damaged in part by the blaze. Thousands more were spared thanks to firefighting efforts on the ground and in the air.

"This order is for residents with a valid ID only," Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Larry Kurtz said. "The Orange County Fire Authority, Anaheim Fire Department, Corona Fire Department, the U.S. Forest Service Fire Department and CalFire remain in a Unified Command of the Canyon Fire, and all firefighters did an outstanding job in saving countless homes."

All roads north of Green River Road and West Foothill Parkway are now open to residents. Access to those areas must be made using Serfas Club Drive and Paseo Grande. The Green River Road is now completely open, however the offramp from Eastbound 91 to Green River Road is still closed to traffic.

The road closures currently in effect include:

Riverside County: All roads south of Green River Road from State Route 91 to West Foothill Parkway, including the Skyline Drive area.

Orange County: Eastbound State Route 91 (#5 lane) from Coal Canyon Road to Green River Road including the Green River Offramp.

Orange County: Northbound Black Star Canyon at Silverado Canyoun Drive and Southbound Coal Canyon Road at Gypsum Canyon Road.

Residents who are returning home are reminded that an active firefighting initiative is still under way. Here is how to stay safe on your return:

• Drive slowly. Numerous crews and equipment are still working in and around the roadways.
• Be aware of hazard trees, especially along roadways and structures affected by the fire.
• Look for trees and poles with deep charring, particularly if they are still smoking as those should be considered hazardous.
• Stay clear of any downed electrical lines.

Current status of the Canyon Fire, according to officials, is more favorable on Wednesday.

"Firefighters continue to defend homes and build containment lines in a steep and heavily vegetated area," they said in release. "Fire activity has slowed due to aggressive ground and aerial firefighting efforts, and the more favorable weather conditions."

There are currently 272 engines on scene, 10 water tenders, 11 helicopters, 9 air tankers, 30 hand crews, 10 bulldozers and a total of 1,589 personnel working the fire at last count, Wednesday morning.

Fore fire information call: 925-588-6812 or 925-588-6805. Do not call 911.

Orange County Fire Authority photos.