Posted 11am, 4/21/13 – Update 9:52 am from City of Monrovia – Evacuations have been lifted for Briar Cliff and Alta Vista. The fire is 55 percent contained and has burned 125 acres. Also, in a separate report, according to one of the Monrovia Planning Commissioners, the fire was started by a gardener, “whacking” brush.
Posted 10pm, 4/20/13 – Update 9:40pm – At this time, the Madison Fire is 50% contained, covering 175 acres. There have been no damaged or destroyed structures, and only one heat-related incident with a firefighter, that was treated on scene and is doing well. Personnel has been downgraded to 20 fire engines, 6 hand crews. Air support remains available if needed. At the peak of Madison fire, there were 220 fire fighters fighting the blaze.
All incident command will now go through the Emergency Operations Center at Monrovia City Hall.
“There is no imminent danger. Some flames are still burning, primarily off of Lotone and Heather Heights,” said Fire Chief Chris Donovan. Evacuation orders for Alta Vista, Highland, Heather Heights and Briar Cliff are still undetermined based upon winds that may pick up overnight. Residents are asked to be patient, but no time has been established at this point to lift the evacuation.
Updated 9:00 pm – Evacuation orders are being lifted for all neighborhoods EXCEPT Hidden Valley, Alta Vista, Briar Cliff and Highland. Residents may return to their homes, effective immediately.