Silverado Fire Causes 90,000 California Residents to Evacuate

Southern California residents have been evacuated as a new wildfire spreads through Orange County, California. 

The fire was first detected on Oct. 28th and named the Silverado Fire. 

High winds and a naturally dry environment have allowed the fire to spread dangerously fast while covering 28,000 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection or Cal Fire.

Cal Fire is in control of wildfire watch and control efforts in California.

“I was driving home from work when off the freeway the flames were getting closer and closer,” said Oscar Villarreal. “It was probably 20ft away from my truck, I’ve never been that scared. The traffic was bad and everyone was trying to avoid the far lane.”

Villarreal works in Los Angeles but lives south near the mountain ranges.

Winds up to 96 mph increased the spread of the Silverado Fire, causing it to jump across freeways and reach thousands of homes.

“It was late afternoon when we all heard alarms going off from the TV and our phones,” said Orange County resident, Sandra Covent. “I knew right away it meant we had to evacuate. I packed a bag and had my kids out of the house in probably 20 minutes.”

Covent is just one of roughly 90,000 residents who had to leave their homes.

“We luckily had relatives to stay with,” said Covent. “It’s sad because I know so many neighbors that had nowhere to go, not everyone can afford a hotel. Some people just don’t want to leave either, I guess they can’t justify leaving their home.”

Unable to afford alternative shelter and wanting to stay and defend one’s home are the two most common reasons residents chose to not evacuate, according to Cal Fire.

“If you get an evacuation order, don’t wait – GO,” said California governor Gavin Newsom in a tweet.

Not evacuating puts residents at risk of fire exposure and smoke inhalation. 

“I was on the 91 freeway when all I could see was red flames and smoke in my rearview mirror,” said California resident, Kendal Wood. “It was a traumatizing sight. I called my mom and stayed on the phone with her until I got home. It felt like the flames were getting closer and bigger.”

Burning mountains get dangerously close to the freeway causing major shutdowns. (Photo taken by @bakerranchdentistry on Instagram)

An estimated 4,419,148 acres have been burned in California this year alone, according to Cal Fire.

“I’ve lived in California for over 30 years and you never get used to hearing about these fires,” said Villarreal. “Being afraid of fire is such a natural instinct. It’s unsettling when it’s near your home and family.”

The damage of the Silverado fire has so far left 31 people dead, according to Cal Fire.

“We’re always thinking about wildfires,” said Cal Fire official.

Cal Fire’s website slogan is, “Fire is coming…are you ready?”

Although eerie, the slogan encourages residents to think realistically about their environment and the likelihood of the next big fire that could affect them.

Wildfire experts express how residents of California must always be prepared. Having a “go bag” ready, a back up plan and preparing for post fire care of their home are all things residents should consider. 

“When we are not fighting fires, we are putting forth every effort to prevent them. This includes having our fuel crews remove the dry and dead vegetation that leads to fast moving destructive wildfires,” said Cal Fire in a tweet.

Working to prevent wildfires is just as important as controlling them, as made clear by fire expert officials.

“Every time there is a fire I can’t help but think of those going directly towards it,” said Villarreal “They’re incredibly brave and I’m going to be honest, you wouldn’t catch me running towards a fire.”