Firefighters make big progress on Silverado fire, reaching 25% containment

Firefighters have been able to lock down 25% of the Silverado fire’s perimeter and, overnight, kept the fire from expanding beyond the 13,354 acres it had consumed largely east of Irvine.

The wind-driven blaze started Monday and quickly forced tens of thousands of Irvine and Lake Forest residents to leave their homes as thick smoke blanketed the sky. During the intense race to quell the blaze on its first day, two firefighters were seriously burned and on Tuesday remained in critical condition.

With 25% of the fire contained, that means firefighters say it has been stopped at one-fourth of its perimeter.

By Wednesday morning, Cal Fire officials estimated 69,058 buildings were still under threat. But there were no reports so far of damaged or destroyed buildings.

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The blaze has prompted numerous closures, including those for schools and clinics, because of the fire danger and poor air quality.

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Cal Fire authorities said Wednesday that much of the activity for the day would be to strengthen the control lines around the fire. Forecasts for Wednesday showed much calmer wind in the Irvine area, though humidity would still be low.

Several evacuation orders remain on Wednesday, with much of them for communities in Irvine east of Portola Parkway and east of the 241 toll road.

Though it has not been determined what started the blaze, Southern California Edison was investigating whether one of its power lines was involved.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. 

Source: Orange County Register