News & Columns > RIMOFTHEWORLD.net > Progress Made On Esperanza Fire; $500,000 Reward

Progress Made On Esperanza Fire; $500,000 Reward

By RIMOFTHEWORLD.net
Saturday, October 28, 2006

10:30 AM Saturday Update

The Esperanza is now 40% contained. It has consumed about 40,000 acres, according to officials. The reward for information leading to the arrest of the arsonist murderer or murderers has risen to $500,000. Some witnesses reported seeing two men leaving the area where the fire started early Thursday Morning. According to Riverside County Fire Chief John Hawkins, this fire was part of a pattern of arson fires that began three months ago. Anyone with information is urged to call (951) 922-7116.

Firefighting activity along Highway 79 between Banning and Gilman Hot Springs. (Photo by Anonymous Contributor.)

On Friday, the fire jumped the containment lines near Silent Valley where approximately 800-1000 campers are being sheltered. The fire also entered a mixed residential and ranch area near Longhorn Drive in Banning destroying at least one structure. Shortly before 10 AM Friday, according to reports, the fire jumped the lower end of Highway 79 near Gilman Hot Springs, but was heavily attacked by frefighters.

Governor Schwarzenegger proclaimed the area a state of emergency on Thursday. FEMA, in response, has agreed to assist state and local agencies battling the blaze with 75% of the firefighting costs.

Unofficial perimeter map based upon scanner, CHP reports, and official maps. Not all shaded areas have experienced fire activity. (Photo by RIMOFTHEWORLD.net.)

Riverside County officials, along with members of Congress from the area, have established a fund to help the families of fallen firefighters. Donations may be sent to the Esperanza Firefighters Assistance Fund, P.O. Box 1645, Riverside, CA. 92502-1645. For additional information, call Ray Smith at (951) 955-1130.

Evacuations

The following areas are under mandatory evacuation orders:

Evacuation centers have been established at

Firefighters Killed

Firefighters fighting the "Esperanza Fire" burning near Cabazon and Banning were faced with tragedy Thursday morning when four firefighters were killed and one critically injured.

The fallen firefighters have been identified as:

The critically injured firefighter was identified as Pablo Cerda, 23, of Fountain Valley with burns over 90% of his body. He remains in very critical condition at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center where doctors have removed about 70% of the damaged skin on his body.

Pat Boss of the U.S. Forest Service reported the four firefighters were killed near Twin Pines fighting the fire, and one firefighter, Pablo Cerda, was critically burned. The five Forest Service employees were on Engine Crew 57. Three were killed at the scene. The fourth, Captain Mark Loutzenhiser, died at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. None of the other fatality names have been released. All five firefighters were from Forest Service Station 57 in Pine Cove according to the Idyllwild Town Crier. Flags across the state are being flown at half-staff for 72 hours.

Firefighters set up a triage center shortly after 8 AM for multiple burn victims from the highly volatile wildfire near Banning. They had been performing structure protection operations at the time and retreated to a safe area but were overrun by 100-foot flames around 6 AM.

At least 5 ground ambulances were requested along with several aircraft to transport the injured. Earlier scanner reports indicated that three firefighters were missing and unconfirmed news reports indicate that Incident Command officials have been unable to communicate with one entire strike team. A strike team consists of a team of five fire engines of the same type and a lead vehicle.

Roads Closed, Structures Lost

About 1000 vacationers were sheltered in place on Thursday at the Silent Valley Club in Poppet Flats. The road out of the community has been cut off by the advancing flames, but the flames are not currently advancing towards the club.

Highway 79 remains closed, but may reopen later on Saturday. The Ramona Expressway in Hemet has also been closed. Highway 243 is closed. The Soboba Native American Reservation in San Jacinto has closed its casino.

Jack Rabbit Trail has been closed between the 60 Freeway and Gilman Springs Road.

Early Thursday, the fire destroyed at least 10 structures, at least five of which were homes. The fire was first reported at 1:12 AM Thursday. The fire burned on both sides of the 10 Freeway early Thursday morning, but has remained to the south of the freeway during the day on Thursday. Strong winds with gusts of up to 50 to 60 MPH initially fueled the firestorm. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the area through 9PM Saturday.