Airport Fire burns 23,519 acres; 19% contained; 152 structures destroyed

The Airport Fire, as of Sunday, 9/15/24, has been reported to have burned 23,519 and 19% containment.  Ten firefighters have been injured and two civilians. There were 20,780 structures threatened and 152 structures destroyed. Structures damaged stands at 31.

There are still some hard closures that the public needs to be aware of. Here they are:

Hard Road Closures

Trabuco Canyon Road and Trabuco Creek Road

El Toro Road and Live Oak Canyon Road

Ortega Highway at Nichols Institute

Soft Road Closures

Plano Trabuco Road at Joshua Drive

Plano Trabuco Road at Robinson Ranch Road

Modjeska Grade Road and Santiago Canyon Road 

Modjeska Canyon Road and Santiago Canyon Road

Silverado Canyon Road and Santiago Canyon Road

UPDATE September 14, 2024: Firefighters are making significant strides in establishing a containment line along the Ortega Highway towards Lakeland Village. The continued support from air operations is proving invaluable in aiding firefighters efforts on the ground. By strategically constructing both direct and indirect firelines, firefighters are creating a robust barrier against the fire's spread. The influx of additional resources to the Airport Fire is a positive development, providing much-needed support to the firefighting efforts. Taking advantage of favorable weather conditions, crews are actively building firelines and employing effective tactics. Hand crews are playing a vital role in this endeavor, and the arrival of reinforcements will further strengthen their capabilities. As conditions allow, damage assessments will continue to be conducted near El Cariso by the damage assessment teams.

Yesterday, Riverside and Orange County officials announced additional changes to evacuation orders and warnings related to the fire. These updates reflect the evolving situation on the ground as firefighters continue to make progress in containing the fire. It's important for residents in the affected areas to stay informed about the latest evacuation information and to follow the guidance of local authorities.

While we appreciate the generosity of those who have offered food donations, we encourage you to consider supporting local charities that can better distribute aid to those affected by the fire. These organizations, such as food banks, shelters, and community centers, are equipped to provide essential supplies and services to those in need. By directing your donations to these reputable organizations, you can help ensure that your support is used effectively to assist those impacted by the fire.

An incorrect percentage of containment was reported early this morning, the official correct containment of the Airport Fire is 9%.

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UPDATE: Thursday, Sept. 12, there have been 23,410 acres burned, icluding an undisclosed number of homes, buildings, cars, etc. Ten firefighters have been reported injured, while two citizens were reported to be transported. One woman was transported with burns, and another resident had a medical emergency.

The fire burned through Decker Canyon,including the memorial for the firefighters who lost their lives during the the 1959 Decker Fire. It was a tragic event that resulted in the deaths of six firefighters. These firefighters were overrun by the fire while battling the blaze. The fire started near Decker Canyon and is remembered as one of the most devastating wildfires in the region's history due to the loss of life among the firefighting crew.

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UPDATE: As of Wednesday morning, the Airport Fire has burned 22,376 acres in Orange and Riverside Counties with zero containment.

A woman is taken by ambulance after getting burns from the Airport Fire., according to witnesses. Valley News/AS pholo

Wednesday Morning UPDATE: There have been five firefighter injuries and two civilians reported injured.

According to Cal Fire, "The fire continues to spread with the southeastern fronts showing the most growth.  The fire made several significant runs at the Santiago Peak communications array this morning. The fire has crossed Ortega Highway and is actively impinging upon structures in the area. As of this posting, it is unknown how many, or to what extent. Over 10,000 structures are in danger."

"Over 1000 firefighters are on the ground, according to Orange County Fire Authority PIO Holaday."

Firefightersm along with helicopters and airtankers, continue to engage the fire on all sides to limit the lateral spread,  Additional resources are in neighborhoods and communities, providing defense of residential and commercial structures," according to CAL FIRE.

There are 126 Engines, 8 Water Tenders, 7 Helicopters, 6 Dozers, 7 Hand Crews, and a total personnel of 629 fighting the Airport Fire.

"Additional firefighting resource requests are being made to partner agencies around the state.  However, resource availability is strained due to the other active fires in the Southern California area," reported Cal Fire.

The Airport Fire started near Rancho Santa Margarita and is believed to have sparked when Orange County Public Works crews were putting boulders in place to prevent access to vegetation when a spark from the equipment started the fire and spread uncontrollably soon after, said Deputy ChiefTJ McGovern of the Orange County Fire Authority, who investigated the incident.

The coorperating agencies include: Cal Fire, Orange County Fire Authority, CHP, Orange County Sheriff, US Forest Servce, Orange County Parks, Califormia State Parks, Orange County Animal Control.

Lake Elsinore schools, Menifee Union School District, Romoland School District, and Perris Union High School District have announced that schools will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, due to unhealthy air quality caused by ongoing fires in Orange and Riverside counties. Santa Rosa Academy and Bear River Academy will also be closed.

Firetrucks lined up in Lake Elsinore. Valley News/Brian Briggs photo

The Airport Fire has burned 22,376 acres in Orange, and Riverside counties with zero containment. It started to encroach on Lakeland Village neighborhood Tuesday night 9/10/24. Valley News /Brian Briggs photo

The Airport Fire starts to encroach on Lakeland Village. Valley News /Brian Briggs photo

The Airport Fire starts to encroach on Lakeland Village. Valley News /Brian Briggs photo

The Airport Fire from the OC side. Valley News/JP photo

The sun peaks through the smoke and ash over Lake Elsinore making the air quality unhealthy to breath. Valley News/AS Photo

Monday night UPDATE: The Airport fire is currently threatening Lakeland Village. Over 19,000 acres have been reported burned. Evacuations should be recognized immediately.

It has been reported by residents that some homes in El Cariso Village have been burned, and at least one firefighter has been transported with burns over 30% of her body.

On Monday, two firefighters suffered heat-related injuries. By Wednesday five firefighter injuries were reported and two civilian injuries.

Following the Orange County Board of Supervisors' declaration of a local state of emergency in response to the Airport Fire on Tuesday, six Southern California lawmakers called on Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a similar state of emergency at the state level. In a letter sent Tuesday afternoon, Representatives Young Kim (R-Anaheim Hills), Ken Calvert (R-Corona), Lou Correa (D-Anaheim), Michelle Steel (R-Seal Beach), Mike Levin (D-San Juan Capistrano), and Katie Porter (D-Irvine) stated that a state of emergency for Orange and Riverside counties would enable faster access to federal assistance for the affected areas.

About 700 fire personnel were battling the blaze Monday, aided by aircraft that have been making water drops continuously since the fire broke out.

The fire has jumped Ortega Hwy. Evacuations have been ordered and are an order by law enforcement to leave immediately. The area is lawfully closed to public access.

Evacuation Orders have been issued for the following zones:

Orange County:

Zones: ELC01, RSM03, ORT01.

Riverside County:

Zones: LSN-1524, LSN-1525, LSN-1526, LSN-1623, LSN-1624, LSN-1625, LSN-1626, LSN-1627, LSN-1799, LSN-1803, RVC-1622, RVC-1724, RVC-1726, RVC-1728, RVC-1729, RVC-1800, RVC-1801, RVC-1804, RVC-1806, RVC-1807, RVC-1808, RVC-1809, RVC-1810, RVC-1867, RVC-1868, RVC-1870, RVC-1936, RVC-1521, RVC-1725, RVC-1798, RVC-1865, RVC-1866, RVC-1933, RVC-1934, RVC-1935, RVC-1999, RVC-2074, RVC-2142, RVC-2143, RVC-1802, RVC-2000, RVC-2075, RVC-2144, RVC-2197, RVC-2243

North of San Diego/Riverside County Line, South of Orange County Line, East of Orange County Line, West of S Main Divide/Grand Ave

Evacuation Warnings

Evacuation Warnings have been issued for the following zones:

Orange County:

Zones: CDC01, CDC02, MOD01, RSM01, RSM02, SIL01, TBU01

Riverside County:

Zones: RVC-2076, RVC-2145, RVC-2147, RVC-2245, RVC-2077, RVC-2146, RVC-2244, RVC-1265, RVC-1269, RVC-1396, RVC-1398, RVC-1400, RVC-1402, RVC-1405, RVC-1523, RVC-1267, RVC-1395, RVC-1397, RVC-1399, RVC-1401, RVC-1404, RVC-1522, RVC-1153-A

Temporary Evacuation Site

Riverside County:

CARE AND RECEPTION SHELTER(S):

Temescal Canyon High School: 28755 El Toro Road, Lake Elsinore, CA

Santiago High School: 1395 E Foothill Pkwy, Corona, CA

An additional Evacuation Shelter is open at Temescal Canyon High School in the big gym located at 28755 El Toro Rd, Lake Elsinore, CA. The site is equipped with cots, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, water, snacks, and welcoming staff.

ANIMAL SHELTERS:

Jurupa Valley Animal Shelter: 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA

An additional Large Animal Shelter is available at the Murrieta Equestrian Center located at 42670 Juniper St, Murrieta, CA. Basic food and water are available at animal shelters. If your pets/animals have special diets or special needs, please bring special food or medications with your animals.

Riverside County residents needing assistance with large animal evacuations can call (951) 358-7387.

Orange County:

CARE AND RECEPTION SHELTER(S):

RSM Bell Tower Community Center: 22232 El Paseo;  Rancho Santa Margarita, CA  (Open 24 Hours)

LARGE ANIMAL SHELTERS:

Orange County Fairgrounds: 88 Fair Drive;  Costa Mesa, CA

Los Alamitos Race Course: 4961 Katella Avenue, Cypress, CA

Nohl Ranch Saddle Club: 6352 E. Nohl Ranch Rd. Anaheim, CA

  ANIMAL SERVICES:

Ralph’s Supermarket Parking Lot: 31841 Santa Margarita Parkway;  RSM, CA

OC Animal Care: 1630 Victory Road;  Tustin, CA

Road Closures

Plano Trabuco / Joshua Drive

Santa Margarita Parkway / Antonio Parkway

Plano Trabuco / Robinson Ranch

Avenida Empressa / Santa Margarita Parkway

Antonio Parkway / Alas de Paz

Trabuco Canyon / Trabuco Creek

Santiago Canyon Road

Live Oak Canyon Road

Ortega Highway (east of Quarry to Grand Avenue in Lake Elsinore)

Tuesday morning UPDATE__________________________________________

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. 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 700 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.

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. 

As of Tuesday morning, the Ortega Hwy is closed in both directions as a result of the Airport Fire. 

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.