Canyon Fire Fully Contained

The 100-acre brush fire that threatened historic cabins in the Orange County back country has been fully contained, authorities said Friday.

The blaze started Wednesday afternoon in the Holy Jim Canyon area of the Cleveland National Forest. A crew of 500 firefighters was hampered by steep terrain but helped eventually by a change in the weather Thursday and Friday.

“There was an onshore flow, which raised the humidity,” said Kathy Bacon of the U.S. Forest Service.

The overall lack of humidity in Southern California is a major concern to fire officials.

“We are way below normal in our rainfall down in the southern part of the state,” Bacon said. “Unless we pick up in February, we have the potential to have a pretty terrific fire season.”

The region’s fire season typically begins in July or August.

The canyon blaze, which started near Holy Jim Canyon Road, was caused by human error, authorities said. Some residents said it might have been sparked by a barbecue.

The fire was whipped by roaring winds and came close to 50 rustic dwellings in the Holy Jim Canyon and Trabuco Canyon areas. Twenty-five to 35 people were evacuated, and two firefighters had minor injuries.

Among those fighting the blaze were crews from the Orange County Fire Authority, Los Angeles County Fire Department, U.S. Forest Service and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Firefighters used five water-dropping helicopters to fight the flames, which burned furiously until the winds changed early Thursday.

Evacuated residents were allowed to return Thursday afternoon, and all roads were opened by that night, authorities said.