Holy Fire: 9,614 Acres Burned, 5% Contained, Smoke Advisory

TRABUCO CANYON, CA — On the fourth day of the Holy Fire, burning out of control in Orange and Riverside Counties, jumped to 9,614 acres burned, a Cleveland National Forest spokesperson said. Firefighters have achieved a mere 5% containment, authorities said Thursday. The blaze is being fed by thick, tinder-dry chaparral that has not burned in over four decades, according to Orange County Fire Authority.

Though Orange County awoke to gray skies, it wasn't marine layer but smoke that blanketed the county. Unhealthy air quality across the county has prompted the Air Quality Management District to alert residents as to the smoke advisory.

Residents were told to to stay indoors and wear masks if you choose, due to the amount of smoke and particulates in the air.

Crews of about 445 firefighters battled the blaze into the night Wednesday, from multiple agencies. A unified command under the U.S. Forest Service, Cleveland National Forest Service continued aerial and ground firefighting efforts Wednesday. A total of 16 air tankers, 10 helicopters and additional fixed-wing aircraft assisted ground crews, who were working to build bulldozer lines, authorities said.

Meanwhile, Trabuco and Holy Jim canyons were under mandatory evacuation orders, as well as the Blue Jay and El Cariso campgrounds. All campgrounds in the Trabuco Ranger District were closed and forest road closures were in effect for Trabuco Creek, Maple Springs, North Main Divide, Bedford and Indian Truck Trail.

As of Thursday morning, the following mandatory evacuations remained:

• Sycamore Creek
• Rice Canyon
• McVicker
• Horse Thief Canyon
• Indian Hills/Glen Eden
• El Cariso Village
• Rancho Capistrano
• Blue Jay
• Mayhew Canyon

Highway 74, known as the Ortega Highway, remains closed between Orange and Riverside counties. The closure limits are from Grand Avenue in Lake Elsinore to Nichols Institute in Orange County, according to the CHP.

The Ortega Highway has been closed, due to the proximity of the brush fire, Caltrans said. California Highway Patrol officers implemented the closure from Grand Avenue in Lake Elsinore to the Nichols Institute entrance in San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, covering about 28 miles.

Trabuco and Holy Jim canyons were also under mandatory evacuation orders, as well as the Blue Jay and El Cariso campgrounds. All campgrounds in the Trabuco Ranger District were closed and forest road closures were in effect for Trabuco Creek, Maple Springs, North Main Divide, Bedford and Indian Truck Trail.

Emergency animal shelters were established in Orange and Riverside Counties. The Orange County Animal Care established resources and temporary shelter for people and pets. Animal owners, both large and small, under mandatory evacuation were told to take their animals to the Riding Park at 30753 La Pata in San Juan Capistrano.

One man was arrested on suspicion of igniting the blaze in Holy Jim Canyon, in the Trabuco Canyon area. Forrest Gordon Clark was being held in lieu of $1 million bail, and is expected to be charged with aggravated arson affecting multiple structures, criminal threats and resisting executive officer, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office. If convicted he could be sentenced to life in prison.

With City News Service / Photo courtesy of U.S. National Forest Service, Cleveland National Forest