By Chief Sam DiGiovanna
Wildfires in California this year have scorched over 3 times more land than in the same period of last year’s 2020 record season, and we are far from being out of the woods as we approach the height of Santa Ana Wind Season. This article has been dedicated every year to the Men of Engine Company 57 and to serve as a reminder of the dangers of the occupation.
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was home in Orange County leaving for work in Los Angeles. I saw the large plume of smoke to the east. In a matter of seconds it intensified. The plume expanded and rose quickly into the atmosphere. I knew something went bad. I didn’t think it was this bad.
October 26th 2006 1:11 a.m. Santa Ana winds stirred across the southland.
A Red Flag warning had been identified and was in effect. A high Probability for large fire growth was in effect as conditions were high temperatures, low humidity, and Santa Ana winds.
At 1:11 a.m. resources were promptly dispatched from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to a reported Brush fire at the base of the hill in the town of Cabazon. The first in engine, Engine 24, arrived on scene at 1:18 a.m. Initially, the fire was approximately two acres in size and located on the base of the hillside. At 1:24 a.m., the first arriving Battalion Chief from CAL FIRE reported the fire had grown to approximately ten acres with a rapid rate of spread, and had crossed the road east of the main drainage at a location called “Hallis Grade.”
At 1:43 a.m. Forest Service Engines 51, 52, 54, 56, and 57 were dispatched to the fire.
Humidity had dropped to 5 percent and the heavy chaparral and manzanita were perilously dry.
Engine Co. 57 (stationed in San Jacinto/Idyllwild) along with four other engines were directed to the mountain area of Gorgonio View Road and Wonderview Road to “triage houses.”
The four engines encountered people fleeing in vehicles down the highway which added to the chaos. Engine personnel reported the road was obstructed with numerous civilian vehicles, motor homes, horses, and livestock. Due to the traffic congestion, the four fire engines became separated and Engines 52 and 57 arrived at the staging area first.
Engines 52 and 57 followed orders and set up for structure protection. Fire, heat and smoke conditions continued to worsen. With increasing wind, tinder dry fuel, the fire began to intensify below quickly advancing up the canyon walls.
Enveloped in the heat and smoke, the fire front advanced quickly and with intensity. After it passed, attempts to contact Engine 57 went unanswered.
At approximately 7:57 a.m., the heat and smoke somewhat diminished Enough for Engine 51 and 52 captains to work their way into Engine 57’s location to discover the burn-over. Ultimately the 5 members of Engine 57 perished doing what firefighters do, “protecting lives and property.”
Like all firefighters who have sacrificed their lives for others, you are not forgotten…
After several days, the Esperanza Fire ultimately consumed approximately 41,173 acres and destroyed 34 residences and 20 outbuildings. The fire also forced the closure of Highway 243.
Remember this: We’re not out of the woods. It’s just begun. Santa Ana winds are now with us. Stay together, stay heads up at all times, and train as if your life depends upon it, because it does!
Sam DiGiovanna is a 35-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale, Calif. He also is a consultant for Cordico www.Cordico.com and Lexipol www.Lexipol.com