Canyon fire area residents relieved evacuation warnings lifted

Evacuation warnings have been lifted for Miguelito Canyon and La Salle Canyon as of last night. People in that area say they’re breathing a sigh of relief.

They also say they’ve been a little on edge because of the heavy winds that have been blowing through.

“It’s been hectic, been really hectic man, scary, been really scary too,” Miguelito Canyon resident Jimmy Breen said.

Jimmy Breen has lived in Miguelito Canyon for the past nine years.

“It’s really nice out here, I love it,” Breen said.

Evacuation warnings were lifted Wednesday night for Breen and the nearly 50 other homes in his Miguelito Canyon community – as well as homes in La Salle Canyon.

“Oh I was like thank God, that’s all I said was thank God for that,” Breen said.

Breen says he’s been ready with a go bag just in case he got word that him and his girlfriend needed to evacuate.

“Stuff that I really need that’s been in the family for years and stuff like that,” Breen said.

Breen says the heavy winds have had him a little on edge – nervous that just one little spark could start this all over again.

“Probably would’ve lost my home, lost everything,” Breen said.

There was minimal fire activity overnight Thursday.
Tony Taggart says he’s been sleeping with one eye open for almost a week.

“One day at a time, hopefully the wind is going to settle down by tonight or tomorrow and we’re going to be able to get through all this,” Taggart said.

Thursday afternoon, fire crews were making more containment lines, eliminating hot spots and working to minimize long-term environmental impacts.

“It’s one way in and one way out at Miguelito Canyon as you well know,” Taggart said.

“Thank you firefighters, thank you so much, thank you, thank you, thank you, that’s all I can say,” Breen said.