Firefighters make major progress in containing Southern California wildfires
Cooler weather aids firefighters in battling major Southern California wildfires
Overnight, more than 8,600 firefighters made significant strides in containing three major wildfires in Southern California, aided by cooler and wetter weather, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The Bridge Fire, the largest of the blazes, spans Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties and reached 54,567 acres as of Sunday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
Around 2,600 emergency personnel increased containment of the fire to 9% on Sunday, a rise from 2% on Saturday morning. Fire crews limited the spread to about 800 acres overnight, Cal Fire reported.
Two firefighters have sustained injuries since the Bridge Fire ignited on 8 September. The fire has destroyed 19 structures and damaged six, while 11,560 remain at risk, Cal Fire stated.
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The fire’s northwest corner was most active on Saturday, Cal Fire noted, with the east side still posing risks to Mount Baldy residents under evacuation orders. In the Sunset Peak area, firefighters maintained and expanded the containment line on the fire’s south side by 2%. The cause of the Bridge Fire is still being investigated.
Meanwhile, in San Bernardino County, firefighters increased containment of the Line Fire to 36% by Sunday morning, up from 25%-29% on Saturday, according to Cal Fire. The fire, allegedly started by an arsonist on 5 September, has grown to 38,421 acres. Approximately 36,300 structures are threatened, with one destroyed and three damaged as of Sunday. There are 4,103 personnel combating the blaze, with three firefighters injured so far.
Higher moisture levels on Friday night and early Saturday helped moderate the Line Fire’s activity, though dry vegetation, drainages, and slopes remain concerns, according to San Bernardino National Forest officials. Weather is expected to stay cool, aiding in moderating fire behaviour, the national forest officials said.
In Orange and Riverside counties, firefighters increased containment of the Airport Fire from 9% to 19% on Saturday, Cal Fire reported. The fire now spans 23,519 acres. The wildfire has destroyed 109 structures and damaged 24 more as of Saturday night, with 21,993 structures still threatened. Fourteen people, including 12 firefighters and two civilians, have been injured.
Favourable weather conditions persisted, with a marine layer returning and light precipitation forecast, Cal Fire noted on Saturday evening. Despite these conditions, dry vegetation has shown active fire behaviour, indicating ongoing risks of increased fire activity, Cal Fire said.
Evacuation levels are being assessed daily by fire managers in collaboration with law enforcement, based on fire containment and safety, with efforts underway to return residents to their homes as soon as conditions allow.
The Airport Fire began around 1 p.m. PT on Tuesday, initiated by county public works crews working on a fire prevention project to block access to a dry vegetation area prone to ignition, officials informed a local news station.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CBS News reports on the three massive wildfires in Southern California, emphasizing the rapid spread, evacuations, and challenges faced by firefighters amidst triple-digit temperatures and complex terrain. (Read more)
- California Fire Safe Council provides updates on current wildfires through CAL FIRE, InciWeb, and NIFC, highlighting statewide incidents and fire safety measures. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How many firefighters are battling the major Southern California wildfires?
More than 8,600 firefighters.
What is the size and containment status of the Bridge Fire?
The Bridge Fire is 54,567 acres and 9% contained.
How did the Line Fire start?
The Line Fire started by an alleged arsonist on Sept. 5.
What is the current status of the Airport Fire?
The Airport Fire is 23,519 acres and 19% contained.
How many structures have been destroyed by the Airport Fire?
The Airport Fire has destroyed 109 structures.
