As extreme heat begins to ease, three major fires in Southern California have been brought under preliminary control, with some areas experiencing cooler temperatures and even light rain.
According to Cal Fire on September 15th, the Line Fire, Bridge Fire, and Airport Fire have collectively destroyed 202 structures and damaged 45 others, while over 69,000 buildings remain threatened. The total burned area has reached 116,507 acres.
Furthermore, the Park Fire, the largest wildfire in California this year that started on July 24th and spread across Butte, Tehama, and Shasta counties, is now 98% contained, having consumed 429,603 acres of land.
As of 3:51 PM on the 15th, the Line Fire that ignited on September 5th in Highland City has spread to 38,421 acres, resulting in one structure being destroyed, three damaged, and threatening 36,300 buildings. The containment rate currently stands at 36%, with three firefighters injured.
In high-altitude areas, where the air remains dry, fire activity continues, while in lower altitudes, cooler weather is expected with a possibility of light rain on Monday. Over 4,000 firefighters and emergency responders, with 420 fire engines, 45 water trucks, 15 helicopters, and 68 bulldozers, are working to suppress the fires and prevent further spreading.
Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, is facing charges of nine arson counts for igniting fires in Highland City at three different locations on September 5th, with the case still under trial.
Among the three fires, the Bridge Fire has the largest burned area. By 3:45 PM on the 15th, the fire that started on September 8th in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties has spread to 54,567 acres, destroying 49 homes, damaging 11 others, and posing a threat to 12,168 structures. Currently, 9% of the fire is contained, with two firefighters injured.
Approximately 203 fire engines, 7 water trucks, 13 helicopters, 21 bulldozers, and over 2,600 personnel are deployed to combat the fire. The fire is 4% contained on the south side, the northwest side shows the most active fire behavior, with efforts to clear fallen trees and protect containment lines underway, while containment lines are being established on the west side. Firefighters are using bulldozers to prevent spreading on the northeast side, while the east side of the fire remains relatively small, with evacuation orders still in place.
Among recent wildfires, the Airport Fire, which broke out on September 9th, has caused the most significant property damage. By 11:58 AM on the 15th, the fire has burned approximately 23,519 acres in Orange and Riverside counties, destroying 152 structures, damaging 31 others, and threatening 20,780 buildings, with some vehicles parked along the road also burned. Currently, 19% of the fire is contained, with two residents and 12 firefighters injured.
The most affected area is Riverside County, where lower altitudes are experiencing cooler temperatures and light showers, with increased humidity aiding in slowing the fire. However, in high-altitude areas above 4,000 feet, the air remains dry, posing a risk of wildfires spreading downhill.
The Airport Fire was sparked by accidental sparks generated by heavy equipment used by the Orange County Public Works Department to move and place large rocks to prevent public access to the dry brush-filled canyon areas. Last week’s high temperatures and strong wind speeds quickly spread the fire to Lake Elsinore in Riverside County. Nearly 2,000 firefighters and emergency responders, along with 203 fire engines, 15 water trucks, 8 helicopters, and 31 bulldozers, are working to contain the fire.