Santiago Fire Scorches 155+ Acres; 30-Percent Contained: OCFA

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Orange County Fire Authority battled a fast-moving brush fire Monday evening, according to reports. It has burned more than 155 acres and was 30-percent contained as of 9 a.m. Tuesday. Forward progress was halted and one firefighter sustained minor injuries during the firefight, OCFA Capt. Tony Bommarito reported.

The Santiago Fire burned on the eastbound side of the 241 toll road in the wildland area between Santiago Canyon Road. No structures were threatened, Bommarito reported. Roads reopened overnight, including the 241, both directions.

About 300 firefighters and crews in eight helicopters and six air tankers battled the blaze, during the day, OCFA Capt. Steve Concialdi said. Firefighters were concerned the blaze would jump Santiago Canyon Road and hoped to head it off before it reached the thoroughfare, OCFA Capt. Tony Bommarito said. It doesn't appear that it will threaten the tollway, but northbound lanes were closed, he added.

Overnight, the wind became "less of a factor," Bommarito said. Helicopters and crew firefighters made progress on the wildfire that was holding steady on the South side of Santiago Canyon Road. No evacuations were in place as of this report.

OCFA plans to hold the fire "West of Santiago Canyon Road," Capt. Tony Bommarito said. Fixed wing aircraft conducted retardant drops on the right flank of the fire and helicopters dropped water on the left flank, Bommarito said.

The "wind driven" fire burned rapidly through light, tinder-dry brush, OCFA Capt. Tony Bommarito said. It blossomed from one-quarter acre to 100 acres in just over 30 minutes, according to reports, eating through the rugged terrain.

Multiple small spot fires broke out in the area just before 4:50 p.m. authorities said. A motorcycle rider was seen attempting to "stomp out the fire," and douse a "car-sized fire" with a water bottle, CHP officers said in their initial report.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

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Photo courtesy of the Orange County Fire Authority