IRVINE, Calif. (KGTV) -- The fast-moving Silverado Fire is threatening several homes in the Santiago Canyon area near Irvine forcing the evacuation of 60,000 residents Monday morning.
The blaze erupted just after 6:45 a.m. in the area of Santiago Canyon and Silverado Canyon roads, and within an hour consumed about 50 acres. In a press conference just after 4 p.m. Monday, fire officials said the fire grew to 7,200 acres with 0% containment.
Crews are battling flames and smoke amid strong wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph. The region is under a large plume of smoke creating unhealthy air quality prompting warnings to residents to stay indoors and limit outdoor activity. Five Cal Fire San Diego engines left to help fight the fire Monday morning, contributing to the 500 personnel fighting the blaze.
Approximately 20,000 homes evacuated, Orange County Fire officials said.
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for the Orchard Hills community north of Irvine Boulevard from Bake Parkway to Jamboree Road. The evacuation order affected roughly 60,000 people, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.
MAP MAY TAKE TIME TO LOAD.
EVACUATION CENTERS
#SilveradoFire has grown to 2,000 acres. All air support has been grounded due to high winds. If you are in the evacuation area please evacuate immediately.
See below for school list evacuation. pic.twitter.com/0wFIp9UIU8
— OCFA PIO (@OCFA_PIO) October 26, 2020
