Airport Fire smoke still seen from Fallbrook; 19000 acres burned

Airport Fire (Trabuco Canyon)

The Airport Fire in Trabuco Canyon has grown to 19000 acres and remains 0% contained. This fire broke out around 1 p.m. According to witnesses on the scene, structures have burned and at least one woman was transported with burns.

Monday near a remote-controlled airplane site on Trabuco Creek Road and rapidly spread, burning through more than 5,400 acres within hours. The fire is threatening the Rancho Santa Margarita area, prompting evacuation orders and warnings for thousands of residents. Around 1,000 firefighters, along with helicopters and aircraft, have been deployed to fight the blaze. Two firefighters and one civilian have been hospitalized due to heat and smoke-related injuries.

Evacuation warnings have been issued for areas near Rose Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon Road, and other nearby streets. Mandatory evacuations include homes in the Robinson Ranch HOA, Trabuco Highlands HOA, and the Trabuco Highland Apartment Complex. Numerous road closures are in place, and shelters have been set up at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center in Rancho Santa Margarita and Santiago High School in Corona.

Rice Fire in Fallbrook near SR 76 and Rice Canyon Road started Sunday night and burned 20 acres before firefighters made quick work of it. Forward progression was stopped after a few hours and it was contained by morning.

As of Tuesday morning, the Roblar Fire is 20% contained but still throwing some smoke and ash in the air and the Airport Fire in Orange County is spilling ash and smoke over Southwest Riverside County and northern San Diego County.

Riverside County Impact and School Closures

The smoke from the Airport Fire has caused significant impacts in Riverside County. Evacuation warnings have been issued for various zones, including areas north of Main Divide Road and near Ortega Highway. The Lake Elsinore Unified School District has closed all schools on Tuesday due to poor air quality from the smoke and ash. Residents in the area, including as far south as Fallbrook, have reported ash falling from the fire.

These fires continue to threaten communities, and residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and stay informed as conditions evolve.

Line Fire (San Bernardino County)

The Line Fire, the largest of the three, is burning in San Bernardino County and started Thursday evening near Base Line and Aplin streets in Highland. It quickly spread and now covers 26,426 acres, with only 5% containment. Firefighters continue to battle the blaze as it threatens more communities.

Bridge Fire (Angeles National Forest)

Further away, the Bridge Fire continues to burn in the Angeles National Forest and remains 0% contained. It started Sunday evening and has grown to 2,996 acres. Firefighters are actively working to control the flames, but challenging conditions persist.

Roblar Fire (Camp Pendleton)

The Roblar Fire, burning near Case Springs Road on Camp Pendleton, has grown to 950 acres as of 7 a.m. Tuesday and is 20% contained. The fire started on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 2:55 p.m. in the Zulu Impact area of Camp Pendleton, according to CAL FIRE.

Rice 2 Fire (San Diego County)

The Rice 2 Fire, located at 35569 Rice Canyon Rd. was first reported on Sunday evening and spread to 20 acres. Forward progression was stopped around midnight Sunday and firefighters made significant progress overnight and reached 100% containment by Monday evening,

While the cause is still under investigation, a local homeowner reported hearing a loud pop, leading to speculation that the fire may have been started by a transformer.