Silverado Fire, Blue Ridge Fire erupt in Orange County
Two major brush fires are burning right now in Orange County, fueled by the dangerous Santa Ana Winds. Thousands have been forced to flee their homes in Irvine and Yorba Linda.
ORANGE COUNTY (KABC) -- Two major brush fires burning right now in Orange County fueled by the dangerous Santa Ana Winds. Two firefighters are critically injured, and more than 60,000 people are evacuated.
SILVERADO FIRE
The smoky fire has exploded in size to 13,354 acres after breaking out at 6:47 a.m. Monday in the area of Santiago Canyon Road and Silverado Canyon Road. Strong gusts pushed flames along brushy ridges in Silverado Canyon and near houses in the sprawling city of Irvine, home to about 280,000 residents. By Tuesday, the blaze was 5% contained.
Southern California Edison said its equipment was under investigation as a possible source of the fire.
Injuries
Two firefighters, one 26 and the other 31 years old, were critically injured while battling the blaze, according to the county's Fire Authority. They each suffered second- and third-degree burns over large portions of their bodies and were intubated at a hospital, officials said.
Damage
No structures have been destroyed.
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BLUE RIDGE FIRE
A wind-driven brush fire burning near homes in Yorba Linda and Chino Hills has exploded to 15,200 acres and is still 0% contained. The fire, initially called the "Green Fire," erupted at 12:55 p.m. Monday in the area of Green River Road near the Green River Golf course and the 91 Freeway, near Chino Hills State Park. On Tuesday afternoon, the fire jumped the 71 Freeway, south of Chino Hills, forcing the closure of the freeway.
Damage
Ten homes have been damaged. The home with the worst damage was at the end of Blue Ridge Drive.
Injuries
No injuries reported at this time.
Click here for the full story and evacuation info
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