Last Group of Evacuees Return to Fire Area

ORANGE, Calif. (AP) — The last group of residents evacuated because of a fire that destroyed 16 houses in Orange County were allowed to return home on Saturday, authorities said.

The fire, east of Irvine, has burned 44 square miles, or 28,400 acres, and also damaged eight structures. So far the fire, which was suspected to be caused by arson, has cost $14.3 million to fight and was 90 percent contained. Firefighters expect to have it fully contained by today.

The main road into the Silverado Canyon area, which also includes Black Star and Baker Canyons, was reopened to a few hundred remaining residents at 4 p.m., said Battalion Chief Chris Concepcion of the Orange County Fire Authority.

“All residents are allowed back into all the canyons, but only residents,” Concepcion said. “If you don’t have business in the canyons, they won’t let you back in.”

Residents were also given an informational brochure on living in a burned area and how to help prevent future fires, Concepcion said.

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