Fire Update: Canyon Fire 2 90-Percent Contained; Aid For Fire Victims

ANAHEIM, CA — Windy conditions over the weekend were less than intense than anticipated allowing firefighters to get an upper hand on things according to Anaheim Fire Department, with 90-percent containment reached by Sunday.

No structures are threatened as of Monday, Oct. 16. In all, 25 structures were destroyed and 55 structures were damaged by the wildfires that razed over Anaheim hills one week ago. Full containment on the Canyon Fire 2 in the Anaheim Hills is expected by Tuesday, October 17 according to officials.

People affected by the Canyon Fire 2 in Orange County are now eligible for direct federal aid, a White House decision announced Sunday by Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr.

The aid includes the same type of individual assistance being made available to residents in the fire areas of the Bay Area and the Redding area, the governor's office said. People should start by filling out a form at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling (800) 462-3362. The TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and the video relay service number is (800) 621-3362, the governor's office said.

The more than 9,200-acre Canyon Fire 2 in the Anaheim Hills was 75-percent contained Sunday as firefighters continue to build and improve containment lines in anticipation of warmer and drier weekend conditions. That number is expected to increase, Monday.

Anaheim Fire reminded all that drones are not allowed over the fire area, as 900 firefighters are still making headway containing and dousing the remaining fire.

Residents were vigilant Saturday and Sunday working flareups.

"If you do see smoke, report flareups, and remember to follow Anaheim Fire Department for information," Anaheim Fire Department Daron Wyatt said. "We're at nearly a week under tough conditions. Our firefighters have been working hard for a week solid."

Fire commanders said full containment, which had been expected Sunday, is now anticipated by Tuesday.

"The winds have been less intense than anticipated and that has helped fire-fighting efforts," explained Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Larry Kurtz.

"Minimal fire behavior was observed throughout the night (and) all residential areas have been re-populated,' according to an Anaheim Fire Department update. The public is reminded to remain vigilant and monitor changes in weather and fire conditions.'

A red flag warning was issued by the National Weather Service that began at 10 a.m. Saturday and was scheduled to end noon today.

The 241 toll road, which had been closed in both directions between the 91 Freeway and Santiago Canyon Road, was partially re-opened in both directions Friday. The southbound 241 off-ramp to Santiago Canyon Road and the northbound 241 on-ramp to Santiago remained closed.

Strides were made in the earlier part of the weeklong battle, allowing for authorities to lift all evacuation orders by 5 p.m. Wednesday, and several local schools and colleges that closed earlier in the week were open for business by Thursday.

Santa Ana Canyon Road between Woodcrest and Gypsum Canyon roads in Anaheim remains closed.
The flames damaged electrical cables, signs, guardrails, fences and traffic control devices, according to Lisa Telles of the Transportation Corridor Agencies, which manages toll roads in Orange County.

Since breaking out Monday, the fire has destroyed 25 structures and damaged 53 more while threatening some 3,500 others, according to the latest update from the Orange County Fire Authority. More than 1,000 firefighters and other responders from multiple agencies were working on the blaze.

Four minor injuries have been reported in the fire, including two firefighters who suffered minor smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Anaheim Fire and Rescue, Kurtz said.

The blaze erupted one week ago about a mile from the area scorched by the recent Canyon Fire, which blackened more than 2,600 acres and took more than a week to contain. The new fire initially broke out near the Riverside (91) Freeway east of Gypsum Canyon Road, near the Coal Canyon flashpoint of September's Canyon Fire, according to the OCFA

The House of Representatives approved funding Thursday for wildfire efforts in California, according to Rep. Mimi Walters, R-Irvine.

The bill approved $576.5 million for firefighting efforts in the state, her office said.

Over the past week, the community of Anaheim Hills was devastated by the quick- moving Canyon Fire 2," Walters said. "Although 23 structures were destroyed and dozens more damaged, I am thankful no lives were lost in this disaster. Unfortunately, the fires in Northern California are expected to worsen in the coming days. These fires have already claimed numerous lives, destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, and have caused unimaginable pain and suffering."

OCFA Photo