Silverado Fire quickly grows to over 1,500 acres

The fire started on September 12 at approximately 10:40 a.m. near the 30500 block of Silverado Canyon Road, according to InciWeb. After moving into the Cleveland National Forest, it consumed over 1,500 acres. With aid of over 750 firefighting personnel, the fire was almost 100 percent contained by September 19. (Photo courtesy of InciWeb)

On Friday, September 12, a wildfire began in Silverado Canyon, CA. The start of the fire was unknown and it quickly spread to 1,500 acres. Chaparral-covered terrain carried the fire effortlessly into a remote part of the Cleveland National Forest. Many locals near the fire were told to evacuate, according to a report posted on Inciweb.

The fire is 1600 acres,is 10% contained. OCFA is in unified command with Forest Service/Cleveland National Forest, approx 700 FF assigned.

— OCFA PIO (@OCFA_PIO) September 13, 2014

As of September 15, with the efforts of over 700 firefighting personnel, the wildfire was 87 percent. There were helicopters that flew over to release water over the fire and and three fire fighters were slightly injured. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory warning that everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor activity and to stay indoors with an air conditioner on.

The fire, although now mostly contained, brings attention the heat and dry weather Southern California is experiencing and as well as the drought conditions—add in seasonal Santa Ana winds—the perfect combination for a wildfires.

According to the PreventwildfireCA.org, carelessness of people cause approximately 90 percent of all wildfires in California. The recommendation is to make sure all campfires are properly extinguished and outdoor equipment such as lawn mowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, etc., are used appropriately.

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