The fire burned along the north face of Temescal Canyon faster
than any kind of organized evacuation could be implemented. The fire
swept through areas, particularly the Hiller Highlands complex, and
residents had to flee as the fire ignited around them; several died in the
process. Firefighters attempted to direct residents out of the fire’s path, in
some cases as they themselves were retreating from the advancing flames.
Police officers were also dispatched to the area to assist in warning and
evacuating residents in the path of the fire. The police officer and the fire
department Battalion Chief who died in the fire were both attempting to
rescue residents and were overrun by the fire in the narrow streets of the
hillsides.
As more resources were assembled and the rate of spread of the
fire decreased, there was more time to plan and organize evacuations from
areas in its path. Several of the flatland areas were planned for
evacuation, and emergency shelters were opened to accommodate the
displaced occupants.
The population of the areas evacuated on the day of the fire is
estimated in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. Many of these residents were
unable to return to their homes for several days due to the continuing fire
threat, as well as interruptions in electrical, gas, and water service and
blocked streets. There were some reports of looting in the evacuated
areas, in spite of a heavy commitment of law enforcement personnel to
secure the perimeter.
With over 3,000 dwelling units destroyed or heavily damaged,
finding shelter and providing emergency assistance for the homeless was a
major concern. These functions were assigned to the local emergency
preparedness agencies, assisted by the California Office of Emergency
Services and Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel.
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