Anaheim

‘Horrible Loss': Homeowners React to Canyon Fire 2 Devastation

Homeowners returned to their neighborhood on Tuesday that was burned by a wildfire

What to Know

  • More than 20 structures burned Monday, when winds fanned the brush fire into a neighborhood
  • Red flag warnings are set to expire Tuesday morning
  • The Canyon Fire 2 was part of Gov. Jerry Browns emergency declaration, which includes Wine Country areas affected by about a dozen fires

In a neighborhood still smoldering, residents on Tuesday returned to Anaheim Hills to take stock of their losses after a vicious brush fire destroyed more than a dozen structures.

More than 5,000 homes were evacuated Monday as fire crews struggled to battle a rapidly growing brush fire, dubbed Canyon Fire 2, that was estimated at 7,500 acres on Tuesday afternoon. Evacuation orders remained in place Tuesday. Dozens of structures have been destroyed and as many as 5,000 homes are still in danger.
 
"Horrible, horrible loss," said Joe Salcedo. "You can't imagine how much damage was done by this fire."

Bruce and Teri Lux got out just in time Monday and watched TV news as their house was engulfed in flames.

"It's tough to see your house go up in flames, especially when you've lived here for 20 years," Bruce said.

It was the home where they raised their two children and where they hosted countless Little League parties and other events for their friends and neighbors.

"It's like a community-oriented neighborhood and a lot of good people and we fortunate to have these kinds of friends."

No one was home when the fire started. It was too dangerous for them to get to their home Monday, so they weren't able to save anything inside. They are grateful to neighbors who rescued their two dogs.

The Lux family still can't go inside their home. They have no idea if anything is salvageable, but Bruce says they will rebuild.

"Our kids are getting ready to go off to college, but at this stage we're definitely looking to rebuild here and pick up the pieces and go from there," he said.

Two evacuation centers, meanwhile, remained open.

Kate Kim was among 30 people who spent the night at the El Modena High School gym.

She saw the flames come over the hills.

"So, we ran away very quickly," Kim said.

The cots, pillows, blankets and showers are provided by the Red Cross.

"I'm just grateful," Kim said. "I don't need anything. They provide food, coffee."

Margie Bolsinger of Rockinghorse Ridge was evacuated at 5:30 p.m. Monday.

"We slept in the car with two screaming kitties and three doggies."

By sunrise she had had enough.

"I have a lot of back pain right now," Bolsinger said.

Kim Baldonado contributed to this report.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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