Fire crews back home

Several local agencies are working to alleviate the strain from wildfires 30 miles away that have left hundreds homeless.

Martha Werth of the fire department said all personnel have returned from the fires, as of Tuesday.

“At the height, we had six engines and two chief officers up there,” Battalion Chief Bob Brown said.

Departments from around the state sent a total of 344 engines to fight the blaze that started early Saturday morning near Corona.

The Triangle Complex Fire, now 100% contained, spread to more than 300 acres and destroyed 200 structures, from Yorba Linda, Brea and Anaheim Hills north to Corona and Chino Hills.

One local engine was dispatched to the fire Saturday morning. Its crew was given one hour-long catnap during more than 48 hours of work, then came back to Huntington Beach about 2:30 p.m. Monday, Brown said.

Other local firefighters went up to battle the blaze in Sylmar that suddenly left hundreds of residents without homes.

Werth said the Huntington Beach firefighters suffered no injuries while out on the front lines of the fire.

  Taking it in stride

The Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center has opened its stalls to board 23 horses since the fires began.

“We are always open to helping people,” Hathaway said. “We’re all here for the same reason: We love horses.”

A handful are still at the center; its other horse boarders have been providing the new neighbors with regular stall cleanings, bedding, food and water.

“A couple boarders provide horse care services. They’re offering their services free of charge,” General Manager Allison Hathaway said. “We had one person drop off a big bag of carrots. Everybody always pulls together, and with everyone’s help, these are the most spoiled horses in Orange County right now.”

Hathaway said she only knew of two horses whose barn burnt down in the blaze, but many of them were nervous after traveling 30 miles to the center.

“It was a stressful situation, so we just kept in contact with the owners, and made adjustments as needed,” Hathaway said.

Two horses were extremely skittish. The center eventually was able to reach their owner, who said the pair had never been separated.

Boarders gave their permission to have a common-use turnout area converted into a temporary home for the pair.

“They calmed right down,” Hathaway said.

Resources

 Working Wardrobes, a nonprofit that offers career clothing and career development services, has opened its Fountain Valley facility, 11614 Martens River Circle, to people affected by the wildfires. Victims who make an appointment at (714) 210-2460 and provide their Red Cross number will be able to obtain as many clothes as they need at no cost.

 To check to see if loved ones are listed as “Safe and Well,” visit redcross.org.

 The Red Cross’s shelter in Brea has been shut down due to lack of need; the remaining Orange County fire assistance center is in the East Anaheim Gym, 8165 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim.

Getting involved

 The 2-1-1 Orange County informational phone line service is seeking volunteers ages 18 and older to help take calls and input data from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday in their Costa Mesa location. For more information, call Jeremy Scharrer at (949) 764-1309.

 The Red Cross call center for those dealing with the Triangle Complex Fire is at (714) 384-0884. Callers will receive information on how to volunteer, donate or contact loved ones.

 The Red Cross is not seeking clothing donations at this time.

 To make a corporate contribution, call Michele Heyn at (714) 481-5367.

 Restaurants who wish to donate food are asked to call (714) 481-5367.

 To get more information on volunteering with the Red Cross, call (714) 481-5300 or visit oc-redcross.org.

 For other opportunities to help, visit volunteercenter.org.

CANDICE BAKER can be reached at (714) 966-4631 or at candice.baker@latimes.com.