At approximately 1855 to 1900 hours, a fire storm
occurred in the area along Los Altos Drive at the head of the fire. The
fire storm drove the fire over Los Altos Drive and scattered fire
throughout the residential area along El Bosque Drive and Sunset Lane.
Engines stationed along Los Altos Drive found themselves in an untenable
situation surrounded by fire. Chief Wilkins ordered all firefighting
operations ceased, equipment removed, and crews to assist with any further
evacuation needs of citizens in the area. Equipment was removed and
despite the intensity of fire, no major damage was reported to equipment or
personnel. Chief Wilkins estimated the fire storm lasted less than five
minutes.
After the fire storm stopped, Chief Wilkins ordered the engine
companies back into the area. Suppression efforts then focused on directly
attacking houses which appeared saveable. Numerous roofs were on fire and
several houses along Los Altos Drive were already fully involved. Crews
also were ordered to direct efforts at exposure control. Water supply at
this time was a problem. Water tenders were moved into the area to supply
the engines. Chief Wilkins estimated that the majority of the houses lost
in the area were ignited during the fire storm or shortly thereafter. He
estimated that most of the structural fires were controlled within two to
two and a half hours after the fire storm. The residential area was not
secured until midnight, May 31, almost eight hours after the fire
started. Additional requests for equipment and manpower were made, and the
fire was finally "contained" at 1800 hours on June 1, 1987, 27 hours after
the fire began. Extensive mop-up was conducted on the fire scene and the
fire was reported "controlled" or out at 0800 hours on June 4, 1987. The
incident had lasted 3 l/2 days.
Next » Causes of Residential Fire Spread
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