Supervisor Pat Bates Tours Fire Devastation in South Orange County 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2007	Contact: Sergio Prince 714-834-3550

Supervisor Pat Bates Tours
Fire Devastation in South Orange County

Lake Forest, CA –Orange County Supervisor Pat Bates toured areas of Lake Forest threatened by a massive fire that began late Sunday in the area of Santiago Canyon and Silverado Canyon. Meeting with Lake Forest officials at the City’s Emergency Operations Center, Supervisor Bates was briefed on the latest details of the firestorm.

Flames that seriously threatened communities in north Irvine have been successfully fought-off but have since moved in the direction of Lake Forest and South Orange County communities. Lake Forest officials announced mandatory evacuations are now in effect in Foothill Ranch with voluntary evacuations in Portola Hills.

“Drought conditions, hot temperatures, difficult terrain, and high winds have created the worst possible circumstances for firefighters,” said Supervisor Bates. “Seeing them battle the blaze first-hand, I can say this is an extremely dangerous fire situation and I urge residents who are potentially in harm’s way to take all necessary precautions.”

The fire has now burned over 15,000 acres in Orange County according to latest reports. “Our firefighting resources are stretched to the limit,” said Bates. “I commend the brave men and women who are on the frontlines battling this firestorm, and I pray for their safety and that of the threatened communities.”

Important Fire Information for South County residents:

• Lake Forest evacuees are asked to check-in with the Red Cross at the evacuation shelter in place at El Toro High School, located at 25255 Toledo Way. For more information, please contact the Evacuation Hotline at (714) 628-7085.

• For the latest information on the Santiago fire as well as important tips on how to prepare for an evacuation, please visit www.OCFA.org.

• For the latest information on road closures due to the current fire conditions, please contact the Transportation Helpline at (800) 724-0353 or visit www.dot.ca.gov/dist12.

Supervisor Pat Bates represents the Fifth District of Orange County which encompasses the South County Cities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, the community of Newport Coast, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, and Wagon Wheel.