Silverado: Wind-Driven Wildfire Burns 7,200+ Acres, Forces 60,000 To Evacuate

10.26.2020 | 6:47 AM | SILVERADO – A wind-driven wildfire scorched over 7,200 acres, critically injuring two firefighters, and forcing about 60,000 people to evacuate, Monday morning.

The fire broke out around 6:47 AM in the area of Santiago Canyon and Silverado Canyon roads and was dubbed the ‘Silverado Fire.’ At first report the fire was only five acres large but in several hours strong winds had caused the blaze to scorch to over 7,200 acres.

About 60,000 people living in the Orchard Hills area of Irvine were under mandatory evacuations as the fire threatened the homes.

During the firefight, two firefighters, aged 26 and 31, sustained serious burn injuries and were rushed to OC Global Medical Center in Santa Ana for treatment. Both are listed in critical condition with second- and third-degree burns.

Aircraft could not assist with the firefight due to sustained wind speeds of 20 to 40 MPH, with gusts up to 60 MPH. Those winds consequently allowed the fire to spread rapidly across the area.

There was no word on the cause of the fire although fire investigators are on scene.

Miles Madison

Miles started reporting breaking news in 2015 and has been providing high-quality news video and timely reports from the Orange County area ever since. Combining his experience as a seasoned photojournalist, radio operator and sleuth, Miles provides unrivaled multimedia news reports.