Reflection off metal sheeting cause of Silverado fire

Vegetable garden barrier blamed in Silverado Canyon fire
By Rosanna Xia
September 15, 2014

The Silverado Canyon fire --which prompted the evacuation of dozens of residents as it grew to about 1,600 acres -- was started accidentally by metal sheeting used to protect a homeowner’s backyard vegetable garden, officials said Monday.

The owner had the metal sheeting around the outside of the garden to prevent small animals and rodents from chewing the vegetables, said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi.

“Unfortunately, over time, the sun had reflected off the metal,” he said, and like a magnifying glass, the concentrated heat sparked a fire in the surrounding wood and leaves, which had become tinder dry due to drought-like conditions.

“The fire basically started to burn in the vegetable garden, spread, and ran up the hill,” Concialdi said. “The homeowner called 911, grabbed the hose, and other neighbors grabbed hoses and tried to help too.”


http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-silverado-fire-vegetable-garden-20140915-story.html