Crews in California have been battling three major fires, including the Airport, Bridge, and Line fires, which have collectively burned over 114,000 acres of land, destroyed structures, and injured people. The high temperatures and desert winds that fueled the blazes are expected to subside as a cool down in the weather and the possibility of showers provide some relief. The fires have not been fully contained, but progress has been made with containment percentages increasing slightly.
The Airport Fire, which started in Trabuco Canyon, has expanded to 23,494 acres and is now 9% contained. Evacuation orders in some areas have been downgraded from mandatory to voluntary. In Riverside County, damage assessment teams are evaluating the extent of damage caused by the fire. The cooler temperatures and previous fire scars in the area have helped firefighters in their efforts to contain the blaze. The fight against the Airport Fire has been challenging due to the steep and rocky terrain.
The Bridge Fire, located along the border between Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, has grown to 52,800 acres and is now 3% contained. The fire is threatening structures in mountain communities and has destroyed homes and cabins in the Mount Baldy and Wrightwood areas. Mandatory evacuations remain in place for multiple communities, including Wrightwood. Firefighters are facing steep terrain and forest fuel that could potentially reignite the blaze. The fire’s expansion has been halted due to the efforts of firefighters and more favorable weather conditions.
In San Bernardino County, the Line Fire has burned 38,074 acres and achieved 25% containment. Evacuees near the fire’s origin point in Highland have been allowed to return home. A suspect, Justin Wayne Halstenberg, has been arrested and charged with arson for allegedly starting the fire. The Line Fire has caused minor injuries to three fire personnel and destroyed one structure. Active flames are still present in the Keller Peak area, where firefighters are taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to contain the blaze.
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and secured federal assistance for residents affected by the fires. Mutual aid from other states, including firefighters, has been sent to Southern California to help battle the blazes. Nearly 6,000 personnel and 60 aircraft have been assigned to fight the fires, with National Guard aircraft capable of dropping water. The weather outlook predicts a continued cooling trend, which should aid firefighters in their efforts without the extreme heat and winds that have fueled the blazes. The wildfires in the region remain a significant threat, but the progress made by firefighters and the potential for cooler weather provide hope for containment in the near future.
