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Silverado Fire: SoCal wildfire has prompted 90K evacuations, hurt 2 firefighters

Electrical wire may be to blame
Silverado Fire: SoCal wildfire has prompted 90K evacuations, hurt 2 firefighters
Posted at 5:18 AM, Oct 27, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-27 20:24:23-04

A fast-growing wildfire in Southern California that has "gravely" injured two firefighters may have been caused by a faulty power line.

CNN and City News Service of Southern California say that Southern California Edison has filed a report with the California Public Utilities Commission that shows that the company believes a power line may have played a role in the start of the Silverado Fire.

The Silverado Fire started Monday morning in Orange County just before 7 a.m. local time. By Monday night, the fire had grown to 7,200 acres, forcing the evacuation of more than 90,000 local residents. The flames were fueled by sustained winds of between 20 and 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph.

City News Service reports that two firefighters —aged 26 and 31 years old — suffered injuries while battling the blaze. Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy told the City News Service that the firefighters are both "gravely" injured, both sustaining second- and third-degree burns.

EVACUATION CENTERS

So far, no structures have been lost to the fire.

Firefighters will get no help from weather conditions on Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to reach into the high 70s, and a high wind warning is in effect for the area until 2 p.m. local time.

ASSEMBLE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

Put together your emergency supply kit long before a wildfire or other disaster occurs and keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.

Emergency Supply Kit Checklist:

  • Face masks or coverings
  • Three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person
  • Map marked with at least two evacuation routes
  • Prescriptions or special medications
  • Change of clothing
  • Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or traveler’s checks
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
  • Sanitation supplies
  • Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
  • Don’t forget pet food and water!

Items to take if time allows:

  • Easily carried valuables
  • Family photos and other irreplaceable items
  • Personal computer information on hard drives and disks
  • Chargers for cell phones, laptops, etc.

Always keep a sturdy pair of shoes and a flashlight near your bed and handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night.