Cause of Silverado Canyon Fire Determined

As many of you recall, two weeks ago, the Silverado Canyon Fire broke out in Orange County. Thankfully, firefighters were able to get the matter under control and the fire only burned 1,600 acres and is now out. According to official reports, the fire started accidentally from metal sheeting used to protect a homeowner’s backyard vegetable garden, it focused the sun's rays, acting as a magnifying glass, to start the fire.

The following is a summary from a Los Angeles Times article: The homeowner had the metal sheeting around the outside of the garden to prevent small animals and rodents from chewing on vegetables in the vegetable garden. According to Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi. “Unfortunately, over time, the sun had reflected off the metal,” and like a magnifying glass, the concentrated heat sparked a fire in the surrounding wood and leaves, which had become tinder dry due to drought-like conditions.  “The fire basically started to burn in the vegetable garden, spread, and ran up the hill,” Concialdi said. “The homeowner called 911, grabbed the hose, and other neighbors grabbed hoses and tried to help too.”  This type of cause for a fire is rare, but it does happen according to fire officials.  (Picture above from Los Angeles Times Article.)