New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Fires

Santa Ana medical marijuana house burns down

Posted on June 29, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Drugs, Fires, Marijuana, Santa Ana 5 Comments

Pot Building Burns Down – Scene from the movie Pineapple Express

A fire damaged a Santa Ana home Friday, sending an apparent personal medical marijuana operation up in smoke.The fire was reported at 11:40 a.m. in the 5000 block of Lindell Lane, said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi, according to the OC Register.

When firefighters arrived, thick smoke and fire were coming from the home’s second story, he said. The fire caused heavy damage to the upstairs portion of the house and attic. The damages were estimated to be about $250,000 to the home’s contents and the structure, Concialdi said.

Continue reading→

The SAPD cracks down on an illegal fireworks Craigslist vendor

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Fires, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: Santa Ana Police Crack Down on Illegal Fireworks – Undercover Operation on Craigslist

On June 19th, Santa Ana Police Department officers while working an undercover operation purchase illegal fireworks by responding to craigslist advertisement.

Officers located the illegal fireworks in a garage at a residence in the 1100 block of West Stanford. The resident was arrested and site released for possession of illegal fireworks. Continue reading→

Orange County residents need to be wildfire aware

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Fires, Orange County, Todd Spitzer Leave a comment

OCFA firefighters performing a demonstration for the assembled media at Wednesday’s press conference. Photo courtesy of the OCFA.

OC Residents Need to Be Wildfire Aware

By: Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer

On Wednesday, the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), Orange County Sheriff’s Department, OC Parks, and several other agencies and organizations held a press conference urging Orange County residents to be fire aware.

“Our recent drought has caused California to enter a state of emergency, due to the risk of wildfire,” said Supervisor Todd Spitzer, also an OCFA Director. “We’ve had a number of dry months with a miniscule amount of rain, so as we enter our hotter months, Orange County is at great risk from the severe wildfire conditions.” Continue reading→

Who tried to burn a porta potty at Newhope Elementary School?

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Fires, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Fire investigators responded to Newhope Elementary School on Monday morning after construction workers found evidence that a portable toilet had been set on fire, according to the O.C. Register.

Who would burn a porta pottie at an elementary school? The OC Fire Authority also reported that it appeared that someone had tried to set metal playground equipment on fire, though only minor damage was evident. Continue reading→

Fire safety outreach in the Laurelhurst neighborhood set for Jan. 11

Posted on January 10, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Fires, OCFA, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana

Community Alert: The America Red Cross and Orange County Fire Authority Present: CAUSE FOR ALARM

SANTA ANA, CA (January 10, 2014) – In response to recent home fires in the Santa Ana community, the OCFA and the American Red Cross will be stepping up their education efforts on fire safety and prevention. On Saturday, January 11, 2014, OCFA and several community leaders from the Laurelhurst neighborhood association will conduct door-to-door outreach in that neighborhood from 9 am – 11:00 am.

Click here for the link to the Laurelhurst neighborhood association boundaries for reference. Continue reading→

Fire causes over $1M in damage at a Santa Ana marijuana growing operation

Posted on December 2, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Business, Fires, Marijuana, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Scene from the movie The Pineapple Express, which featured the explosion of an indoor marijuana growing operation

A marijuana growing operation was discovered early Sunday morning, at about 1:10 a.m., when a fire broke out at a business complex in Santa Ana, at the Warner/Fairview Business Park in the 2200 block of South Fairview Street, Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said, according to the O.C. Register.

Three out of the nine businesses in the shopping center sustained heavy smoke and fire damage. The cause is under investigation, according to ABC News.

The O.C. Register also reported that: Continue reading→

Tour the Santa Ana Fire Museum today from noon to 4 pm

Posted on November 9, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Fires, Historical, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA’S FIRE DEPARTMENT HISTORY IN A WORKING FIRE STATION

Saturday, November 9th, noon to 4 pm

The Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society invites you explore the proud history of Santa Ana’s firefighters at an Open House at our newest museum addition, the Santa Ana Fire Museum.

Housed in a working fire station, the public can view vintage equipment and memorabilia dating back to the late 1800s, alongside state of the art contemporary fire trucks and equipment. Hands-off the modern items (and don’t be surprised if a call comes in while you are there!) but don’t miss a hands-on experience with the fully restored 1921 Seagrave fire engine and specially designated items along your guided tour. Continue reading→

Baker Fire in Silverado Canyon 80% contained according to the OCFA

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Fires, OCFA, Orange County Leave a comment

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) has announced a Baker Fire Update at 9 am: 80% contained, estimated acres is 40, expected containment October 10, 1 barn damaged. There are 7 fire engines, 5 fire hand crews, 6 bulldozers, 2 excavators, 7 water tenders, with a total of 270 personnel on scene.

All residents are cleared to re-enter the area by 6 pm tonight. Additional Information: Fire information is available at www.ocfa.org or at (714) 573-6200. The OCFA also regularly updates their Facebook page. Continue reading→

Supervisor Spitzer warns of Red Flag Warning in the O.C. through Sunday

Posted on October 5, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Fires, Orange County, Todd Spitzer Leave a comment

Todd Spitzer Urges Vigilance and Preparedness During Red Flag Warning for Orange County This Friday Through Sunday

(Portions Courtesy of the National Weather Service and the Fire Safe Council East Orange County Canyons)

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for most of Orange County, effective from 2:00 AM on Friday, October 4, until 8:00 PM on Sunday, October 6.

“I urge all Orange County residents to be vigilant and take extra precautions during this Red Flag Warning,” Supervisor Todd Spitzer, also an Orange County Fire Authority Director, said. “The Third District’s canyon communities are particularly vulnerable in these conditions.” Continue reading→

Santa Ana cosmetics company goes up in flames early this morning

Posted on August 28, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Business, Fires, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Crews from multiple fire departments knocked down a four-alarm blaze that erupted early Wednesday outside at a Santa Ana warehouse belonging to the La Rosa Company, located at the 2100 block of South Anne Street. Emergency personnel responded to the fire at about 1:15 a.m. after multiple callers reported the fire, which threatened at least four buildings, according to the KTLA.

The warehouse contained metal containers with corrosive materials, said Orange County Fire Authority spokesman Steve Concialdi. The structure did not burn, but chemicals stored outside the warehouse burned under an awning, fire officials said, according to NBC. Continue reading→

Son of OC Firefighter charged with arson for setting fires in Anaheim and Y.L.

Posted on August 27, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Crime, Fires, OCDA, OCFA, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Gabriel Michael Castillo

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # TBA: August 27, 2013

MAN CHARGED WITH ARSON FOR SETTING FIRES IN YORBA LINDA AND ANAHEIM

SANTA ANA – A man was charged today with arson for setting fires in Yorba Linda and Anaheim. Gabriel Michael Castillo, 19, Anaheim, (editor’s note: Castillo is the son of an OC Fire Authority Firefighter) is charged with five felony counts each of arson of forest, three felony counts of arson of another’s property, and one felony count of receiving stolen property. If convicted on all counts, Castillo faces a maximum sentence of 13 years and eight months in state prison. The People will request the defendant be held on $100,000 bail at his arraignment today, Aug. 27, 2013, in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined. Continue reading→

Son of OC Firefighter arrested in connection with Yorba Linda arson fires

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Courts, Crime, Fires, OCFA, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

UPDATE: Castillo is the son of an 18-year veteran Orange County Fire Authority firefighter stationed in Santa Ana, according to the statement. (NBC News)

NEWS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, OCSD, (714) 904-7042/Batt. Chief Kelly Zimmerman, OCFA, (714) 483-0194

Suspect Arrested in Connection with Yorba Linda Arson Fires

YORBA LINDA, CA – (August 26, 2013) – On Sunday August 25, 2013 an arrest was made in connection with three (3) arson fires that were set in the east Yorba Linda area last week. Gabriel Michael Castillo, 19, Anaheim Hills was arrested and booked into Orange County Jail on charges of arson following a collaborative investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD), Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), Anaheim Police Department (APD) and Anaheim Fire & Rescue (AF&R). Continue reading→

Supervisor Spitzer urges safe use of fireworks in Orange County

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Fires, Public Safety, Santa Ana, Todd Spitzer Leave a comment

Supervisor Todd Spitzer Urges Safe Use of Fireworks in Orange County

On Monday, July 1, Supervisor Todd Spitzer spoke at a press conference on fireworks safety. The press conference was organized by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). An OCFA Director, Supervisor Spitzer discussed the importance of knowing the difference between legal and illegal fireworks. He also stressed the need to always operate legal fireworks safely and under the supervision of an adult. Supervisor Spitzer emphasized the importance of not drinking alcohol while using fireworks. Adults who are legally operating fireworks should do so in a controlled atmosphere.

“Water boils at 212 degrees, glass melts at 900 degrees, and fireworks sparklers burn at 1200 degrees,” Supervisor Spitzer said. “Please be aware of the extreme heat of a burning sparkler and all safe and sane devices while safely operating such fireworks.” Continue reading→

Directory of 2013 Santa Ana fireworks booth operators and locations

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Charities, Fires, Santa Ana 2 Comments

There are 75 fireworks booths selling safe and sane fireworks in Santa Ana this year. Each booth is operated by a local charity. Chances are you know many of these or even belong to some of these organizations, which include local schools, youth sports teams, churches and temples.

The Santa Ana Public Information Officer, Jose Gonzalez, has provided us with a list of the booth operators and their locations so that you can go buy your fireworks from the charity or non-profit of your choice. This is a big deal for many of these organizations. They rely on this money to fund their programs. Please be sure to be safe! Click here for a great new article on fireworks safety.

Here is the 2013 list of Santa Ana Fireworks booths – this is a New Santa Ana exclusive: Continue reading→

Valley High School’s gym boiler blows up and students are evacuated

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Education, Fires, Public Safety, Santa Ana, SAUSD Leave a comment

An explosion, possibly involving a malfunctioning water heater, lifted the roof off the Valley High School gym, in Santa Ana, Tuesday morning and sent students scrambling for cover just before the start of classes, according to NBC News.

Four people were hospitalized as a precaution: Three people had hearing issues, and one person was transported due to anxiety. Three other people were treated at the scene for minor injuries, according to ABC News. Continue reading→