Wildfire — Orange County Inland, California

2017-10-09 to 2017-10-17 · Orange County Inland, California

Event narrative

The Canyon 2 Fire began around 0900 PST on the 9th near the 91 Freeway and Gypsum Canyon Rd. in Anaheim Hills. The fire spread rapidly threatening numerous structures. In the first 24 hours the fire consumed more than 7,000 acres. In total 25 structures were destroyed, 55 were damaged and 9,217 acres burned. Four injuries were also reported. The cause of the fire was reported to be embers from the Canyon Fire which began September 25 and contained October 4th. Damage value is an estimate.

Wider weather episode

Moderate to strong Santa Ana winds surfaced west of the mountains as high pressure built over the Great Basin on the 9th. Surface pressure gradients favored the Inland Empire and Orange County for the strongest winds. In most places peak wind gusts were 35-55 mph, but local gusts to 70 were reported. The downsloping flow sent relative humidity values crashing. The Canyon 2 Fire began near Anaheim Hills ultimately scorching more than 9,000 acres and damaging or destroying 80 structures. Isolated damage also occurred below the Cajon Pass.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 725310. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.