The Great Fire

On this very day in 1993, a few So Cal Edison workers spotted flames in Laguna Canyon. These flames would result in the “The Great Fire of 1993”, which consumed more than 16,000 acres, destroyed/severely damaged over 400 homes, and caused $528 million dollars in damage.

Many fires have burned longer and devoured more land, but none in Orange County have been as destructive as the one that swept through Laguna Beach in October 1993. Firefighters faced steep terrain as they tried to get to the fire. Those on the front lines complained of low water pressure in those critical first hours, and they had to bring in water tenders to help supply the fight.

The fire started as a brush fire in Laguna Canyon. It spread when embers jumped a firebreak into Laguna Beach and Emerald Bay. The speed of the fire was phenomenal. The top half of Emerald Canyon burned at a rate of 100 acres per minute. Fire flashed across Laguna Canyon Road in six places, leaping up the slope with 200- feet flames. Fire burned 1.25 miles of brush in 17 minutes to reach Canyon Acres, and the blaze ascended from the canyon floor to obliterate the Mystic Hills neighborhood.
The fire was ultimately contained within 30 hours as a result of shifting winds. Mutual aid from other communities included 345 fire engines, 17 dozers, 30 aircraft, 11 hand crews, and a total of 1,968 fire personnel.

My husband Aaron has often told the story of how he drove up to Skyline to watch the fire as a 17 year old. Together with local residents he watched as the roaring flames were coming towards them from across the canyon. He says he will never forget the look on the face of one of the older homeowners, as he turned to Aaron and asked in a trembling voice: “Should I pack up my things and leave?”

But things have changed since 1993.

The city can’t stop a wildfire from happening, but Laguna Beach has worked to ensure that it’s hillsides, it’s homes and it’s infrastructure don’t act as fuel. There were huge debates and heated finger-pointing sessions at City Hall for months after the fires, but we all agreed that this just could not be allowed to happen again. Changes had to be made, some of them painful.

Nowadays residents can’t build homes with shake shingle roofs. Firefighters have better training, apparatus, communication and mutual-aid agreements. The water district has two more reservoirs and backup generators. City Hall has tighter regulations and prepares with disaster simulations. Community members take initiative and educate the public on fire danger. Goats, which started grazing in 1990, have had their chomping grounds expanded throughout Laguna’s hillsides. With the work of goats and hand crews, vegetation has been removed from around 320 acres in 14 fuel modification zones.

What is the take-away from the 1993 disaster? As residents we have to be pro-active, whether it is deciding to fireproof your home, calling 911 when you see smoke, or educating to public. More than ever before, residents are the eyes and ears for public safety –hopefully causing someone with malicious thoughts to think twice.

About Jaleesa Peluso, Laguna Beach Realtor
Jaleesa Peluso is an Orange County real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway. Jaleesa and her team specialize in Laguna Beach and surrounding areas. Thinking of buying, selling or renting? Call us now at (949)395-0960!