Printer-friendly version
By Miriam Raftery
View dramatic rescue by a Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire battalion chief of a woman walking through flames in Airport Fire
September 13, 2024 (San Diego) –Firefighters have reached significant containment levels on two of the three major wildfires still burning across four Southern California counties. In addition, an arsonist has been arrested in connection with the devastating Line Fire in San Bernadino County. The federal government has approved resources to help fight all three large Southern California fires.
Click the links below for Cal Fire’s full updates, maps and current evacuation details.
The Line Fire has burned 37,743 acres but is now 21% contained. At one point this fire threatened 65,000 structures, prompting widespread evacuations in the Big Bear area and other San Bernadino County communities, also closing major roadways. To date, one structure is confirmed destroyed and three others damaged, with three injuries confirmed. An arsonist arrested is suspected of starting at least three fires, one of which became the Line Fire. This fire has required significant resources including 3,900 personnel, 19 helicopters and 409 fire engines.
The Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside Counties is 8% contained and has burned 23,494 acres. It has destroyed at least two structures, damaged seven, and injured twelve people. Evacuation levels have been downgraded; firefighters are actively working to reinforce containment lines southwest of the fire. A flare-up occurred in an unburned pocket north of Trabuco Canyon within the fire's existing perimeter. Crews are conducting reconnaissance along the Santiago Peak fire lines, and heavy equipment operators are constructing a dozer line toward Ortega Highway.
The Bridge Fire in Los Angeles and San Bernadino Counties swelled to 51,884 acres and remains only 3% contained, though cooler weather is aiding firefighting efforts. Evacuation orders remain in effect due to immediate threat to life, and major roads remain closed including portions of several highways.
Major fires are also burning in other parts of California. For details on all fires statewide, visit https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents.
Recent comments