Officials: Arson suspected in wildfire near Irvine

OC Register ^ | Monday, October 22, 2007 | DOUG IRVING, SAL HERNANDEZ and ELLYN PAK

[ROP_RIP]

A wildfire that has swept through 8,800 acres of dry wilderness near Irvine was believed to be intentionally set, firefighters announced this morning as they prepared for another fierce day of wind and heat.

The fire was 30 percent contained this morning, fire officials said

Firefighters have found at least three separate places that were lighted near Santiago Canyon Road, east of Irvine Lake, Orange County Fire Authority Chief Chip Prather said at an early-morning news conference. The fire, pushed along by hellish Santa Ana winds, exploded in size overnight, but firefighters were able to block it from moving toward Irvine.

[ROP_RIP]

Yes, everyone knows hot, dry, windy conditions are conducive to wildfires.

But, 11 fires in a single day? And now we know at least one was deliberately set in THREE locations by a very determined party? Something is not right here.

I certainly hope they're keeping a close eye on the local mosques to see if there is evidence of involvement.

[milford421]

Agreed.

[Strategerist]

I would like to know the percent of fires “set” as opposed to caused by nature. Bet it’s 50/50 or higher.

I don't know the number, but have seen some interesting figures on the number of wildfires set by firefighters - it's pretty embarassing so publicity is limited, but it's pretty shockingly high.

[Jigajog]

Same with house fires. This is especially true of volunteer firefighters.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

“Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. Three times is enemy action.” — Ian Fleming

[syriacus]

There was one point of origin on one side of the road and two more on the other side, said Kris Concepcion, a battalion chief with the Orange County Fire Authority.

"Whoever did this knew what they were doing," he said.

ELFies? Jihadis?

[Tijeras_Slim]

Given that Ahnold is pulling the NG from the border to help with the fires. I’d wager that illegals are lighting them to help out their amigos in getting through.

[syriacus]

Given that Ahnold is pulling the NG from the border to help with the fires. I’d wager that illegals are lighting them to help out their amigos in getting through.

Good point.