The centers will provide assistance to residents and businesses affected by the two fires that started in early September and continue to burn. Information will be available from local and state agencies, and nonprofit organizations about services and recovery assistance.

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Each center will have information about processing insurance claims, property cleanup, replacing vital records, navigating the repair and rebuilding process, and other resources.

Here are the locations and hours.

LA County Fairplex
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20
Location: 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Expo Hall 8, Pomona (Enter at Gate 3)

California State University, San Bernardino
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 23
Location: 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino

Los Angeles County also offers recovery assistance information here. San Bernardino County recovery assistance information can be found here.

The Bridge and Line fires were two of three major wildfires that broke out in early September during a week of extreme heat.

The Bridge Fire started Sept. 8 and grew to more than 54,700 acres. Containment on Wednesday was at 37 percent. The Line Fire was at 39,100 acres with containment at 50 percent.

The region’s three largest fires — the Bridge, Airport and Line fires — all started in early September during a stretch of extremely hot days.

Below, see updates on the fires, including size, containment and evacuation information.

California Wildfires Sep 17

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Bridge Fire

The 54,700-acre Bridge Fire was 37-percent contained Wednesday with evacuation warnings lifted and evacuation orders downgraded to warnings in both Wrightwood and Mt. Baldy.

Water-dropping aircraft were putting out hot spots around the southeast corner of the fire zone. Secondary containment lines were being established on the south side of the fire. The northwest flank of the fire still has scattered flames. To the east, firefighters were constructing a line south from Wright Mountain to prevent the fire from reaching Lytle Creek.

The fire has destroyed 73 structures and damaged 16 others.

In Los Angeles County, an evacuation order remained in effect for the East Fork communities, including Camp Williams Resort and the nearby River Community.

In San Bernardino County, evacuation orders remained in effect for the area north of Icehouse Canyon and along Big Pines Canyon road to the community of Big Pines.

An evacuation order that was in effect for the entire Wrightwood community was changed to an evacuation warning Tuesday.

An evacuation warning also remained in place for Shin Road north to Icehouse Canyon.

The fire began Sept. 8 near East Fork and Glendora Mountain roads.

Line Fire

The Line Fire, which was caused by arson, has burned more than 39,100 acres in San Bernardino County. Containment Wednesday was at 50 percent.

Evacuation orders remain in effect due to a closure order for National Forest lands, trails, and roads, including the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Evacuation warnings are in effect for thearea of Big Bear Valley east of the dam and west of McAllister Road, including Fawnskin; all of Green Valley Lake, Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and all campgrounds and cabins in the area.

Highway 330 is closed northbound from Highland Avenue to Live Oak.

Minimal fire growth was reported overnight due largely to the drop in temperatures. Partly cloudy conditions are expected Wednesday, which should help firefighters increase containment and mop up hot spots.

There have been multiple drone incursions over the Line Fire area, according to fire officials.

“This impedes our firefighting operations and can have deadly consequences,” Cal Fire said. ” Please be respectful of those fighting the fire and the community members who are impacted by fire. Never fly drones near wildfire. If you fly, we can’t.”

A Norco man who was accused of starting the fire pleaded not guilty in San Bernardino County.

The Line Fire destroyed one structure and damaged four others. 

Airport Fire

The 23,500-acre Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties was 31-percent contained. Area of increased containment included Lake Elsinore, Decker Canyon Road and Lakeland Village.

Cooler temperatures have helped firefighters, who continued water drops on Santiago Peak. Downed powerlines were posing a hazard, and firefighters are working with utility companies on Ortega Highway to find hot spots and perform repairs.

In Orange County, people in Caspers Regional Park, San Juan Springs, Blue Jay campground were ordered to evacuate, while a larger number of neighborhoods were under evacuation orders and evacuation warnings in Riverside County.

Evacuation warnings were in place in Orange County for portions of Ortega Highway, Robinson Ranch HOA, Trabuco Highlands HOA, Trabuco Highland
Apartment Complex, the East Side of Coto de Caza, Silverado Canyon, Modjeska Canyon, Rose Canyon Road, Trabuco Creek Road, Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Oaks Drive, Joplin Loop, Cook’s Corner, Dove Canyon, El Cariso.

The fire started Sept. 9 in Trabuco Canyon and spread from Orange County into Riverside County.

A week after being told to clear out their things and evacuation, some Wrightwood residents began to make their way home Tuesday afternoon.

Someone also left behind a sign of gratitude that read “Thank you for saving us.”

For others like Karen Knight and her boyfriend Ralph Buchholz who haven’t been told to return home, the painful and anxious wait continued Tuesday.

“It’s been a long journey,” Knight said while going through the valuables she saved when she and her boyfriend were forced to leave their Wrightwood home nine days ago.

“I was filling up the truck and trailer, and I started to cry,” Knight recalled, calling the evacuation the scariest moments in her life.

“This fire was crazy,” Buchloz, Knight’s boyfriend, said. “The sky turned orange, and all the solar panels were popping at 1 p.m.”

As families drove back home to see what’s left of their community, the couple said the biggest blessing is that they survived. 

“There are a lot more disadvantaged people than us. We are blessed that we have each other. That’s all that matters,” Knight said. 

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California Wildfires Sep 17

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Fire officials said the Bridge Fire, which started in Los Angeles County and spread to San Bernardino County’s mountain communities, destroyed over 65 commercial buildings and homes.

Even after the flames were put out, smoke and hot spots were still visible around the mountain Tuesday, forcing crews to clear trees and debris that could pose a risk.

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“The premium went from $349,000 to a whopping $1.7 million,” Bruce Breslau said while representing his homeowners’ association (HOA), explaining the insurance company notified the HOA that it would no longer be able to provide coverage for those in wildfire zones, including Chatsworth.

“My premium doubled,” said Gigi Bannister, a retired firefighter in Crestline, sharing the similar story about her canceled insurance policy.

Bannister said she filed a $40,000 claim after a snow-related collapse at her house. Her insurance company not only denied it but it also canceled her policy. 

“Insurance companies should be forced to honor claims. If they don’t, what is insurance for?” Bannister said. 

The stories of Breslau and Bannister have become more common as climate change impacts every Californian’s life with fires, floods and slides.

California’s Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and his new set of regulations he implemented earlier this year are to blame for higher insurance rates, according to Jamie Court of Consumer Watchdog, a non-profit advocacy organization.

“Unfortunately, Insurance Commissioner Lara’s been worse than ‘asleep at the switch,’ Court said. “He’s been in the back rooms, making deals with the insurance companies.”

In response, Lara said Consumer Watchdog’s claims are a “lie” as he came out of an intense, three-hour hearing where State Assembly members asked him pointed questions about his plan. 

“We’re ruffling some feathers on some entrenched interest on both sides,” Lara said about insurers as well as the insured.

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Lara said his priorities is doing everything possible to keep insurers from fleeing the state of California while bringing down the risks for insurance companies such as catastrophic weather events to eventually bring down the cost for homeowners. 

“We can’t have insurers retreating or leaving the state, because then we’re never gonna get to affordability,” Lara said.

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The wildfire smoke advisory issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District will remain in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday as smoke from the Bridge, Line and Airport fires in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties affects air quality across the region.

Smoke from the Bridge and Line fires in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties is expected to impact areas in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear and Mt. Baldy.

“Big Bear is expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI category or higher on Wednesday afternoon,” the SCAQMD said in a statement Tuesday. “Most other smoke-impacted areas are expected to be in the Moderate AQI category or higher.”

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY UPDATE (Tuesday, September 17th): https://t.co/Y158OoPtBX#Wildfire Smoke Advisory covering the #BridgeFire, #LineFire, and #AirportFire has been extended pic.twitter.com/SwNKjEj1Ip

— South Coast AQMD (@SouthCoastAQMD) September 17, 2024

The Line Fire has burned more than 39,000 acres with containment at 49 percent. The Bridge Fire was at 54,700 acres with containment at 25 percent.

Smoke impacts from the Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties is expected to be more localized, according to the SCAQMD. The wildfire that started in Orange County before spreading to Riverside County burned 23,519 acres at 31% containment.

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The agency offered the following tips for people in areas impacted by wildfire smoke.

• Limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter.
• Avoid vigorous physical activity.
• Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air.
• Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or firepit and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying, and grilling.
• If you must be outside, a properly fit N95 or P100 respirator may provide some protection.

Bridge Fire

The wildfire that has been burning in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties scorched 54,795 acres as of Tuesday at 25% containment. 

Cal Fire said fire crews Tuesday will prioritize securing containment lines and removing hazards to allow displaced residents to get back to their homes.

In Wrightwood, firefighters faced safety hazards such as falling trees and smoldering debris. 

Evacuation orders remained in place for Wrightwood and Mt. Baldy Road north of the San Antonio Dam up to the Mt. Baldy Resort. 

The Bridge Fire destroyed 66 structures and damaged 13 others while it continued to threaten more than 3,600 structures.

Line Fire

As the wildfire burned 39,111 acres with nearly half of it contained as of Tuesday, a Norco man who was accused of starting the fire pleaded not guilty in San Bernardino County.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, entered the plea to arson-related crimes from jail in a video arraignment. He was denied bail and appointed an attorney. Halstenberg’s next court appearance is set for Monday.

The Line Fire destroyed one structure and damaged four others. 

More than 36,000 remained under the threat of the blaze as fire crews were expected to strengthen control lines and mop up hot spots Tuesday.

Evacuation orders were still in effect for all National Forest lands, trails and roads as well as undeveloped land east of Highway 330 and Summertrail Place and north of Highland Avenue.

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Airport Fire

The wildfire that started in Orange County before spreading to Riverside County burned 23,519 acres at 31% containment.

Though it may be smaller in the number of acres scorched, nearly 200 structures were destroyed while 34 were damaged. And over 20,000 properties were still under the threat of the blaze.

While the favorable weather continues to have helped fire crews, they were concerned about drier conditions that were forecast for the weekend with highs in the 80s and 90s.

Twelve firefighters were injured while two civilians were hurt in the Airport Fire. 

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Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, entered the plea to arson-related crimes from jail in a video arraignment. He was denied bail and appointed an attorney. Halstenberg’s next court appearance is set for Monday.

San Bernardino County Sep 16

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Halstenberg was charged with arson and other crimes related to the fire, including aggravated arson, arson causing great bodily injury, arson of residence, three counts of arson of forest land, and three counts of using an incendiary device. More charges are possible as the fire continues to burn, prosecutors said.

He was arrested after investigators reviewed surveillance camera video and automatic licenses plate readers after the fire ignited around 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5 near Base Line Road and Aplin Street in Highland. About 73,000 buildings were threatened by flames, which led to evacuation orders and warnings.

Some evacuation warnings and orders remain in effect.

Investigators carried out a search at the suspect’s home and found evidence supporting an arrest, according to authorities. They also located the pickup sought in connection with the arson investigation.

If convicted as charged, the suspect could be sentenced to 10 years up to life in prison.

The Line Fire is 49-percent contained at 39,111 acres as of Tuesday.

A Cal Fire battalion chief saw the woman in a dress walking on Ortega Highway Tuesday night in the El Cariso neighborhood of Lake Elsinore. Glowing embers danced at the women’s feet as strong wind gusts fanned nearby flames.

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Cal Fire Battalion Chief Michael Martinez was in a department vehicle when he arrived at the haunting scene.

“This is one of those moments that you hope you never come across,” said Cal Fire Battallion Chief Michael Martinez. “As we came out, I was one of the last ones in line, just watching to see the progression of the fire. I just saw this person walking down the middle of the highway with fire on both sides.”

Martinez rushed the woman down the canyon to paramedics in Lake Elsinore waiting in an ambulance. The woman suffered burns, but was expected to recover, according to fire officials.

“We’re all extremely proud,” said Orange County Fire Authority public information office Steve Concialdi. “He did an outstanding job.”

The Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties started Sept. 9. It has burned more than 23,500 acres with containment Monday at 31 percent. Evacuations remain in effect for some areas.

The fires sparked during a week of triple-digit heat. But as temperatures start to cool down, firefighters are working with more favorable conditions.

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom visited Southern California and declared a state of emergency for San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange counties.

Thousands of fire personnel continue working to control and extinguish the flames that have left homes and other structures damaged and displaced thousands of residents.

Bridge Fire

The Bridge Fire continues to burn over 54,000 acres in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties on Monday.

More than 2,000 fire personnel continue battling the fire which continues to be the largest active fire in California.

The Bridge Fire is burning 54,774 acres and is 25% contained as of Monday evening. The fire has destroyed at least 54 structures and damaged 13 others.

A community meeting about the fire will be streamed here.

For a full list of evacuation orders, warnings, road closures and shelter information on the Bridge Fire visit the Cal Fire website.

Line Fire

In San Bernardino County, the Line Fire continues to burn 39,026 acres and is now 49% contained.

Over 3,000 fire personnel continue battling the fire that has left thousands of residents displaced.

All schools and offices in the San Bernardino County Unified School District have reopened on Monday after they had closed down due to the fire.

“We are pleased to inform you that after careful consideration, we are ready to welcome everyone back to our schools and offices on Monday, September 16, 2024,” Superintendent Mauricio V. Arellano said. “Thank you for your patience and we look forward to seeing our scholars return to our campuses excited to learn.”

For a full list of evacuation orders, warnings, road closures and shelter information on the Line Fire visit the Cal Fire website.

Airport Fire

In Orange and Riverside Counties, the Airport Fire continues to burn over 23,000 acres.

The fire had burned 23,519 acres and was 31% contained as of Monday evening.

A team of over 2,000 fire personnel continue fighting the flames that have destroyed 160 structures and damaged 34 others. At least 14 injures have been reported due to the Airport Fire.

For a full list of evacuation orders, warnings, road closures and shelter information on the Airport Fire visit the Cal Fire website.

The blaze swelled to more than 38,000 acres as of Sunday. Cooler temperatures helped strengthen crews’ efforts against the flames since they created favorable conditions in the firefight.

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At least one structure was destroyed in the blaze and three others were damaged. According to Cal Fire, three people were hurt in connection with the fire.

The massive wildfire was the result of arson, investigators revealed. Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, of Norco, was arrested on suspicion of starting the fire. He’s accused of igniting the fire on Sept. 5 near Base Line Road and Aplin Street in Highland.

Halstenberg faces charges that include aggravated arson, arson causing great bodily injury, arson of residence, three counts of arson of forest land, and three counts of using an incendiary device. More charges are possible as the fire continues to burn, prosecutors said.

The fire left thousands of residents displaced during the evacuation orders, which have remained in place. It is unclear when those orders will be lifted and when residents can return to their homes.

Evacuation orders

• Forest Falls and Mountain Home Village (Only residents allowed to return at this time. Be prepared to show proof of residency)
• Green Valley Lake north from Highway 18 along Green Valley Lake Road
• San Bernardino issued Forest Order NO. 05-12-00-24-09, creating a Forest Closure Area around the Line Fire. All National Forest lands, trails, and roads are closed to the public within that zone including San Gorgonio Wilderness
• All undeveloped land east of Highway 330 to Summertrail Place and north of Highland Avenue
• Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake
• Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and all campgrounds and cabins in the area

Evacuation warnings

• Cedar Glen, Lake Arrowhead, and Valley of Enchantment
• The area of Big Bear Valley from the dam east to Cactus Road
•  Erwin Lake, Sugar Loaf, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, and Fawnskin

Evacuation shelters

• San Bernardino County Fairgrounds — Building 6, 14800 7th St., Victorville, CA 92395
• Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center — 15556 Summit Ave., Fontana, California 92336 | (909) 854-5100
• Hacienda Heights Community Center — 1234 Valencia, Hacienda Heights, California 91745 | (800) 733-2767

Animal evacuation shelters

• Lancaster Animal Care Center (Small Animals) — 5210 West Ave. I, Lancaster, CA 93536
• Palmdale Animal Care Center (Small Animals) — 38550 Sierra Highway, Palmdale, CA 93534
• Devore Animal Shelter (Large and Small Animals) — 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino, CA 92407
• Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (Large Animals) — 2551 W Ave. H, Lancaster, CA 93536

“The weather has been great with cooler temperatures, the marine layer and the higher, relative humidity,” Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said on Saturday.

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Relative humidity Sunday was expected to be about 66% over most of the fire below 3,500 feet, fire officials said. Light showers or drizzle were forecast for Sunday night into Monday morning.

Officials said crews were having “notable success in increasing containment” in areas such as Lake Elsinore, Decker Canyon Road and Lakeland Village.

Crews were expected to keep working to clear lines of vegetation and use favorable weather to help put out flames.

“The work of hand crews, and the arrival of additional handcrews, are critical to success during this advantageous window,” officials said.

The Airport Fire began at about 1 p.m. Monday near Trabuco Canyon Road in the area of the remote-controlled airplane airport, OCFA Capt. Sean Doran said. Officials said the fire was sparked by a county public works crew using heavy equipment. The cause was deemed accidental.

Fire officials estimate the fire will be fully contained by lines of cleared vegetation by September 24.

Evacuation orders

• Zones: ELC01, ORT01-B; Areas include — Caspers Regional Park, San Juan Springs, Blue Jay campground.
• Zones: RVC-1521, RVC-1622, RVC-1724-B, RVC-1725, RVC-1798, RVC-1800, RVC-1802, RVC-1865, RVC-1866, RVC-1933, RVC-1934, RVC-1935, RVC-1999

Evacuation warnings

• Ortega Highway
• Robinson Ranch HOA
• Trabuco Highlands HOA
• Trabuco Highland Apartment Complex
• the East Side of Coto de Caza
• Silverado Canyon
• Modjeska Canyon
• Rose Canyon Road
• Trabuco Creek Road
• Trabuco Canyon Road
• Trabuco Oaks Drive
• Joplin Loop
• Cook’s Corner
• Dove Canyon
• El Cariso

Residents can click here to determine if their homes are impacted by evacuation orders or warnings.

Evacuation centers

• Foothill Ranch Library, 27002 Cabriole Way
• Large animals — Orange County Fairgrounds, Los Alamitos Race Course
• Large animals — Nohl Ranch Saddle Club at 6352 E. Nohl Ranch Road in Anaheim

Road closures

• Trabuco Canyon Road and Trabuco Creek Road;
• El Toro Road and Live Oak Canyon Road;
• Ortega Highway at Nichols Institute

No additional injuries were reported from the fire. Earlier in the week, officials said 10 firefighters had suffered minor injuries fighting the blaze, many of them heat-related, while two civilians were also injured, one with an unknown medical condition and the other suffering burn injuries.

Cal Fire said 107 residential, commercial and other structures were destroyed, and another 12 were damaged.

At a community meeting Saturday evening, officials said they currently do not know when evacuated residents of Wrightwood will be able to return to their homes. Evacuation orders have been put in place for the mountain community as crews continue their battle against the relentless blaze.

Bridge Fire

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At more than 54,000 acres, the Bridge Fire holds the reigns as Southern California’s largest active wildfire, which is burning through Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. It so far has been 9% contained.

“We need to know that it is safe for you to go back into your homes,” one official at the community meeting said.

“What happens is when that fire is burning up above us, while all that stuff is burning, it’s going to start rolling downhill. So, there’s a lot of stuff that’s been coming down, even as the crews are in there working, trees are coming down, they’re having boulders coming down, they’re also having a lot of burning debris that are coming down and lighting off vegetation all around the homes.”

In the meantime, residents have been expressing their appreciation for first responders in the form of posters displayed around the community.

“A great, big thank you for all that hard work and dedication/ We’re very grateful for all the firefighters,” said Chris Kasten, a Wrightwood resident.

With the blaze impacting two counties, two assessment teams are slated to visit Wrightwood and the surrounding area to see the damage and brainstorm how to help those who’ve been displaced. As of Saturday, at least 19 structures were destroyed in the fire, according to Cal Fire.

Evacuation orders

• the entire community of Wrightwood
• Highway 138 south to Lone Pine Canyon and Highway 2 east to Lone Pine Canyon Road;
• Lone Pine Canyon from the community of Wrightwood to Highway 138/Lone Pine Canyon Road south to the forest;
• East Fork communities of Camp Williams Resort (cafe, mobile home park, campground) and River Community (near the resort); and
• Mt. Baldy Road, North Mountain Avenue and Shinn Roads from San Antonio Heights to Wrightwood and east to Cucamonga Peak.

A mandatory evacuation order that had been in place in the area of Highway 18 south to Highway 138 and Beekley Road west to the Los Angeles County line was downgraded to a warning.

Evacuation warnings

• Phelan from Highway 138 east to Baldy Mesa Road and Phelan Road south to Sayle Road;
• Pinon Hills from Wrightwood north to Highway 138 and Lebec Road west to Los Angeles County.

Evacuation warnings were lifted Friday in the communities of Baldwin Lake and Lake Williams from Highway 38 north to Highway 18 and Baldwin Lake East, and in the area of Phelan Road south to Forest Route 3N24 and Baldy Mesa Road west to Tumbleweed Road.

Evacuation centers

• Pomona Fairplex: 601 W McKinley Ave., Pomona (Enter Gate 3, corner of McKinley and White);
• Hacienda Heights Community Center, 1234 Valencia Ave.;
• Jessie Turner Center, 15556 Summit Ave., in Fontana.

Animal evacuation centers

• Palmdale Animal Care Center (small animals): 38550 Sierra Highway, Palmdale;
• Lancaster Animal Care Center (small animals): 5210 W. Ave. I, Lancaster;
• Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (large animals): 2551 W. Ave. H, Lancaster (call 562-706-8581 prior to arrival);
• Devore Animal Shelter (pets/livestock): 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (call 909-386-9820, or after hours 800-472-5609).

Road closures

• SR-138 from Lone Pine Canyon Road to Beekley Road;
• SR-2 closed from Big Pines to SR-138;
• Big Pines Highway;
• Big Rock Creek Road;
• San Gabriel Canyon and East Fork of the San Gabriel River;
• Highway 39;
• East Fork Road;
• Glendora Ridge Road;
• Glendora Mountain Road; and
• Mount Baldy Road at Shinn Road intersection

Cal Fire officials estimated that the fire had destroyed 19 residential, commercial and other structures and damaged another six. However, more than 11,000 structures were still being threatened as of Sunday.

No significant injuries were reported.

“The Wrightwood water system, working with the State Water Resources Control Board, has determined through comprehensive testing that Wrightwood’s water is safe to drink. Customers no longer need to consume bottled water.  However, customers should flush their taps only after the evacuation order is lifted,” wrote the Golden State Water Company.

The company issued the advisory due to concerns that the water system in Wrightwood was impacted by the ongoing Bridge Fire. It was believed that on Saturday morning the water system experienced a loss of pressure in some areas of Wrightwood, making way for harmful contaminants.

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With the loss of pressure, dangerous contaminants like benzene and other volatile organic chemicals could make their way into the water.

Reports circulating about customers being unable to use water for bathing were also disproven by the Golden State Water Company.

“It has come to our attention that there are reports circulating about customers being unable to use water for bathing. We want to clarify that these reports are inaccurate,” wrote the Golden State Water Company.

For more information on water quality or how to flush the water system click here.

The Bridge Fire, which is currently Southern California’s largest active wildfire, has consumed more than 52,000 acres in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties as of Saturday. At least 19 structures in its path were destroyed and firefighters remain battling it.

Firefighters braced for another day battling the massive Airport Fire on Saturday in Orange and Riverside counties, where 23,519 acres have been charred with containment remaining at 19-percent.

“The weather has been great with cooler temperatures, the marine layer and the higher, relative humidity,” Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said.

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Officials said crews were having “notable success in increasing containment” in areas such as Lake Elsinore, Decker Canyon Road and Lakeland Village.

In Orange County, people in Caspers Regional Park, San Juan Springs, Blue Jay campground were ordered to evacuate, while a larger number of neighborhoods were under evacuation orders and evacuation warnings in Riverside County.

Evacuation orders

• Zones: ELC01, ORT01-B; Areas include — Caspers Regional Park, San Juan Springs, Blue Jay campground.
• Zones: RVC-1521, RVC-1622, RVC-1724-B, RVC-1725, RVC-1798, RVC-1800, RVC-1802, RVC-1865, RVC-1866, RVC-1933, RVC-1934, RVC-1935, RVC-1999

Evacuation warnings

• Ortega Highway
• Robinson Ranch HOA
• Trabuco Highlands HOA
• Trabuco Highland Apartment Complex
• the East Side of Coto de Caza
• Silverado Canyon
• Modjeska Canyon
• Rose Canyon Road
• Trabuco Creek Road
• Trabuco Canyon Road
• Trabuco Oaks Drive
• Joplin Loop
• Cook’s Corner
• Dove Canyon
• El Cariso

Residents can click here to determine if their homes are impacted by evacuation orders or warnings.

Evacuation centers

• Foothill Ranch Library, 27002 Cabriole Way
• Large animals — Orange County Fairgrounds, Los Alamitos Race Course
• Large animals — Nohl Ranch Saddle Club at 6352 E. Nohl Ranch Road in Anaheim

Road closures

• Trabuco Canyon Road and Trabuco Creek Road;
• El Toro Road and Live Oak Canyon Road;
• Ortega Highway at Nichols Institute

No additional injuries were reported from the fire. Earlier in the week, officials said 10 firefighters had suffered minor injuries fighting the blaze, many of them heat-related, while two civilians were also injured, one with an unknown medical condition and the other suffering burn injuries.

Cal Fire said 107 residential, commercial and other structures were destroyed, and another 12 were damaged.

Firefighters on Saturday continued to battle the Bridge Fire that spread from San Gabriel Canyon above Glendora into San Bernardino County and burned 53,738 acres. It raged as the largest active fire in Southern California.

As of Saturday evening, the fire was 5% contained, primarily on the southwestern flank, according to CalFire.

“Today, the Bridge Fire had minimal movement,” Cal Fire said in the latest update Saturday. “Firefighters continued to mop-up hot spots, establish or strengthen containment lines along the entire perimeter of the fire where accessible to do so. Resources were focused on the northern area of the fire where air operations dropped water as needed along the fire line near the communities of Big Pines and Wrightwood.

Bridge Fire

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“Although the fire is slowly backing downhill on the east side, firefighters are not letting their guard down in Icehouse Canyon where the rugged terrain still presents some challenges. Heat and active flames are also still present in the Mt.Baldy Village area, and crews continue to prioritize structure protection.

“A marine weather inversion aided crews along the southern boundary in establishing direct line, extending from the southwest toward the east with mop-up. Favorable winds are also keeping the west side of the fire within its current footprint where the steepest and most rugged terrain lies within the wilderness.”

Fire officials said humidity is still low in higher elevations, but in lower elevations, the marine layer and higher humidity were helping crews make “great progress in strengthening both primary and secondary containment lines in the southeast, south and southwest flanks of the fire, while also gaining depth in their mop-up operations.”

The Incident Management Team scheduled a public meeting at 6 p.m. Saturday at Serrano High School Performing Arts Center, 9292 Sheep Creek Road in Phelan that will be live streamed on the Angeles National Forest Facebook page.

The blaze began at 3 p.m. last Sunday near East Fork and Glendora Mountain roads, according to forest officials. The fire initially remained relatively small, but it exploded in size at the tail end of an extended heat wave on Tuesday, destroying dozens of structures as it marched into San Bernardino County.

It is the largest active fire in the state.

Evacuation orders

• the entire community of Wrightwood
• Highway 138 south to Lone Pine Canyon and Highway 2 east to Lone Pine Canyon Road;
• Lone Pine Canyon from the community of Wrightwood to Highway 138/Lone Pine Canyon Road south to the forest;
• East Fork communities of Camp Williams Resort (cafe, mobile home park, campground) and River Community (near the resort); and
• Mt. Baldy Road, North Mountain Avenue and Shinn Roads from San Antonio Heights to Wrightwood and east to Cucamonga Peak.

A mandatory evacuation order that had been in place in the area of Highway 18 south to Highway 138 and Beekley Road west to the Los Angeles County line was downgraded to a warning.

Evacuation warnings

• Phelan from Highway 138 east to Baldy Mesa Road and Phelan Road south to Sayle Road;
• San Antonio Heights and Upland from the foothills south to 23rd Street;
• Pinon Hills from Wrightwood north to Highway 138 and Lebec Road west to Los Angeles County.

Evacuation warnings were lifted Friday in the communities of Baldwin Lake and Lake Williams from Highway 38 north to Highway 18 and Baldwin Lake East, and in the area of Phelan Road south to Forest Route 3N24 and Baldy Mesa Road west to Tumbleweed Road.

Evacuation centers

• Pomona Fairplex: 601 W McKinley Ave., Pomona (Enter Gate 3, corner of McKinley and White);
• Hacienda Heights Community Center, 1234 Valencia Ave.;
• Jessie Turner Center, 15556 Summit Ave., in Fontana.

Animal evacuation centers

• Palmdale Animal Care Center (small animals): 38550 Sierra Highway, Palmdale;
• Lancaster Animal Care Center (small animals): 5210 W. Ave. I, Lancaster;
• Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (large animals): 2551 W. Ave. H, Lancaster (call 562-706-8581 prior to arrival);
• Devore Animal Shelter (pets/livestock): 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (call 909-386-9820, or after hours 800-472-5609).

Road closures

• SR-138 from Lone Pine Canyon Road to Beekley Road;
• SR-2 closed from Big Pines to SR-138;
• Big Pines Highway;
• Big Rock Creek Road;
• San Gabriel Canyon and East Fork of the San Gabriel River;
• Highway 39;
• East Fork Road;
• Glendora Ridge Road;
• Glendora Mountain Road; and
• Mount Baldy Road at Shinn Road intersection

Cal Fire officials estimated that the fire had destroyed 19 residential, commercial and other structures and damaged another six. However, more than 11,000 structures were still being threatened as of Saturday.

No significant injuries were reported.

This live blog is no longer being updated. Click here for wildfire updates.

Firefighters are gaining ground on three major wildfires that have forced evacuations, destroyed homes and burned tens of thousands of acres in early September.

See live updates on the Airport, Line, Bridge and other wildfires.

The Bridge Fire burning in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties continues to be the largest active fire in California on Friday.

It has burned 51, 884 acres with 3% containment as of Friday morning, according to Cal Fire. A team of over 2,000 fire personnel continued battling the flames.

California Wildfires Sep 12

Bridge Fire is the largest active fire in California burning over 50,000 acres

Wildfires Sep 12

Holistic center consumed by Bridge Fire flames in Wrightwood

“The Bridge Fire moved through parts of Mountain High Resort overnight. As of 11 a.m. this morning, reports indicate that base facilities at all 3 Resorts (East, West, & North) remain intact,” the Mountain High ski resort said in a statement on Wednesday.

Crews turned on the snow-makers, helping to save the resort from being destroyed in the fire.

‘We’re not out of the woods yet – there is a lot of work to be done but nothing that would keep us from opening on time in November,” the resort said in a social media post on Thursday. “More updates to come as we evaluate the damage and plot our course forward.”

On Thursday, the Baldy Village evacuation order was expanded from San Antonio Heights to Wrightwood and east to Cucamonga Peak, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

The fire started on Sept. 8 in the Angeles National Forest and spread to San Bernardino County.

For a full list of evacuation orders, warnings, road closures and shelter information visit the Cal Fire website.

Some evacuation orders were lifted for residents who live near the area where the Airport Fire continues to burn.

According to the Orange County Fire Authority, evacuation orders have been downgraded for both Orange and Riverside counties.

California Wildfires Sep 12

Time-lapse video shows dramatic spread of Airport Fire in Orange, Riverside counties

California Wildfires Sep 12

‘Everything is gone.' Airport Fire destroys cabins in OC's Holy Jim Canyon

As of Friday morning, the fire is burning 23,494 acres with 8% containment, according to Cal Fire.

Mandatory evacuation orders for the Robinson Ranch community were downgraded to voluntary evacuation warnings, the OCFA said. Road closures remain in effect and resident-only access is permitted for Plano Trabuco Road at Joshua Drive and Plano Trabuco Road at Robinson Ranch Road.

“Residents are now permitted to return to their homes, but must provide proof of residency upon entry. It is imperative that residents remain vigilant and be prepared if conditions change,” OCFA said.

The fire started in the Trabuco Canyon area of Orange County but quickly spread to Riverside County.

Over 700 fire personnel continue battling the flames that have damaged seven structures and destroyed two others. At least 12 injuries have been reported due to the Airport Fire.

For a full list of evacuation orders, warnings, road closures and shelter information visit the Cal Fire website.

The #AirportFire is currently at 23,410 acres with 5% of it contained. Evacuation levels have been downgraded in both Orange and Riverside Counties. Firefighters are actively working to reinforce containment lines southwest of the fire. >>> pic.twitter.com/Ttf7Xnl4s7

— OCFA PIO (@OCFireAuthority) September 13, 2024

The fire is currently burning 27,743 acres and is 21% contained as of Friday morning. 

California Wildfires Sep 12

Norco arson suspect charged in San Bernardino County Line Fire

Wildfires Sep 11

Will Big Bear's beloved bald eagles be OK with the Line Fire?

According to Cal Fire, 11,400 residents are under evacuation orders and 54,700 are under evacuation warnings.

One family in Running Springs saw their home destroyed by the fire. They took what they could as they followed evacuation orders and left their home. 

The bikes of young children were left scorched by the flames outside the home where only a chimney could be seen.

“I was grabbing things in their closet, like their baby books and things, and I just started crying and touching the walls as I was going by,” Brook Palenchar said.

The flames also continue to threaten 65,100 structures in the area. 

The cause of the Line Fire was determined to be arson. San Bernardino County prosecutors charged Justin Wayne Halstenberg with arson on Thursday as well as other crimes related to the fire.

For a full list of evacuation orders, warnings, road closures and shelter information visit the Cal Fire website.

Flames that swept through Orange County’s Holy Jim Canyon left behind the rubble of recreational cabins in a patch of Cleveland National Forest considered a treasured mountain retreat.

The Airport Fire started Monday about two miles from the nearly three dozen cabins in eastern Orange County. Many were destroyed that afternoon by flames that climbed a canyon wall.

California Wildfires Sep 12

Time-lapse video shows dramatic spread of Airport Fire in Orange, Riverside counties

California Wildfires Sep 10

Map: See where fires are burning in Southern California

Arturo Payan said his cabin is likely among them. He just signed the paperwork for Cabin No. 29 about one month ago.

“I put all my heart, effort, money (into it),” Payan said. “Now it’s gone, but I’m alive.”

Some of the cabins were built in the early 1900s.

Holly Permeh has owned one for about five years. She used a quad bike to ride up to the property Wednesday to see what was left.

“Horrific. I thought I would be able to get some souveniers, just something,” Permeh said. “It all melted. Everything is gone.

“It’s kind of a place just to get away from the hustle and bustle of OC. Just a place for my son and I to go, spend some time. Just seeing the devastation first hand just made it real.”

The Airport Fire has burned more than 23,000 acres in Orange and Riverside counties. It is one of three major wildfires burning in Southern California.

Cooler temperatures were in the forecast, which will aid firefighters as they try to increase containment of the fire that has destroyed an unknown number of homes, and injured 10 firefighters and two other people.

So far in 2024, California’s state firefighting agency has reported more than 6,000 wildfires that burned more than 977,000 acres. The acreage burned is a dramatic increase from 2023, when Cal Fire reported 5,053 wildfires that burned 253,755 acres. The five-year average is 5,912 wildfires and 868,803 acres burned.

Tensions had been on the rise since Thursday when the Line Fire, which investigators determined to be a case of arson, broke out near Highland to the south. Flames were visible from the Palenchars’ house the next day and evacuations were ordered on Saturday.

California Wildfires Sep 12

Norco arson suspect charged in San Bernardino County Line Fire

California Wildfires Sep 10

Map: See where fires are burning in Southern California

“I had this really strong feeling as I was leaving,” said Palenchar. “I’m like, ‘I just knew it was going to get lost.'”

The home was destroyed with only the chimney left standing and children’s burned bicycles in the rubble. The beloved house was home to the Palenchars and their three young children, ages 5, 7 and 12. They tried to pack what they could before it was time to evacuate.

“It was so chaotic, and I was just like telling each kid to grab a special bag so they could put their things in,” Palenchar said. “I was grabbing things in their closet, like their baby books and things, and I just started crying and touching the walls as I was going by.

“I think every day’s been a little more tearful and a little bit harder to process.”

Palenchar grew up in the house. She left to start a family, then returned to the home to raise most of her nine children.

Family members have not been allowed to return to the property due to evacuation orders, but they have seen the destruction in news reports.

“It’s just so tough to see,” said son Finn Haskins. “I mean, you see the chimney and then the top of it shows the fireplace of our living room that we spent multiple Christmases and Thanksgivings.

“My whole family gathered around the couch watching it. And it’s just, it’s tough times.”

Palenchar said the family has received support from neighbors in the wake of the tragedy.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of generosity and people just offering support and kindness,” she said.

A 34-year-old Norco man has been charged in connection with the wildfire that burned more than 37,000 acres and forced evacuations in San Bernardino County. Containment was at 18 percent Thursday.

The Line Fire is one of three major fires burning in Southern California.

On Wednesday, Newsom traveled to Southern California and declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange and Riverside counties.

Newsom had already declared a state of emergency due to the Line Fire on Saturday Sept. 7 in San Bernardino County.

According to a statement on his website, Newsom visited the site of the Line Fire in Highland on Wednesday. There, he was briefed on the fire and visited neighborhoods on the edge of the Line Fire. 

He was also briefed by CAL FIRE and emergency response officials on the ongoing response to the Bridge and Airport fires in Southern California, the site said. 

“California is deploying every available resource to combat these devastating fires, and we’ll continue to work in lockstep with federal and local partners in this herculean effort. We are deeply grateful to all the heroic firefighters and first responders on the ground working 24/7 to keep Californians safe,” Newsom said. 

The Bridge Fire, currently the largest active fire in California, continues to burn over 50,000 acres and is affecting Los Angeles and San Bernardino County. 

The Line Fire is burning over 37,000 acres and continues to affect San Bernardino County. As of Thursday, the fire was 18% contained.

The Airport Fire in Trabuco Canyon is affecting Orange and Riverside counties, burning over 23,000 acres. The fire is only 5% contained as of Thursday.

Today, Governor @GavinNewsom proclaimed a state of emergency to support the ongoing response to the #BridgeFire & #AirportFire following federal assistance secured in the last 24hrs.

First responders have been working 24/7 to protect Riverside, Orange & LA mountain communities. pic.twitter.com/gacqSs32Qe

— California Governor (@CAgovernor) September 12, 2024

San Bernardino County prosecutors charged Justin Wayne Halstenberg with arson and other crimes related to the fire, including aggravated arson, arson causing great bodily injury, arson of residence, three counts of arson of forest land, and three counts of using an incendiary device. More charges are possible as the fire continues to burn, prosecutors said.

California Wildfires Sep 12

Time-lapse video shows dramatic spread of Airport Fire in Orange, Riverside counties

California Wildfires Sep 10

Map: See where fires are burning in Southern California

Halstenberg was arrested on suspicion of arson after investigators reviewed surveillance camera video and automatic licenses plate readers after the fire ignited around 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5 near Base Line Road and Aplin Street in Highland. About 73,000 buildings were threatened by flames, which led to evacuation orders and warnings.

The 37,200-acre fire was 18-percent contained Thursday morning.

Investigators carried out a search at the suspect’s home and found evidence supporting an arrest, according to authorities. They also located the pickup sought in connection with the arson investigation.

“It’s my belief that as time goes on – and we allow them to do the critical work that they’re doing – that we will actually find out this suspect may have been responsible for other fires,” San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said during a news conference Wednesday.

If convicted as charged, the suspect could be sentenced to 10 years up to life in prison.

The Line Fire is one of three major wildfires burning in Southern California.

So far in 2024, California’s state firefighting agency has reported more than 6,000 wildfires that burned more than 977,000 acres. The acreage burned is a dramatic increase from 2023, when Cal Fire reported 5,053 wildfires that burned 253,755 acres. The five-year average is 5,912 wildfires and 868,803 acres burned.

Over 100,000 residents are being impacted by the fire which is also threatening over 65,000 structures. 

The fire is currently burning 37,589 acres with 21% containment, according to Cal Fire. It was first reported on Thursday Sept. 5 at around 6:30 p.m.

Since it began, at least three structures have been damaged and one other destroyed. 

A team of over 3,000 fire personnel continue battling the flames along with 16 helicopters. 

Law enforcement officials announced the arrest of a man on suspicion of intentionally starting the fire.

Investigators say 34-year-old Justin Wayne Halstenberg is being held without bail. 

Detectives searched his home and vehicle and found evidence connecting him to the Line Fire. They also believe Halstenberg may be responsible for setting other fires. 

“I’m angry, upset, because it was also not necessary to put a lot of these people out of their homes,” Ricky Garcia, a resident of Running Springs, said. “And all of these wonderful fire department, also the sheriffs and the police, in danger. For what?”

Firefighters believe the cool down in temperatures will be in their favor as they battle to put out the fire. 

For a full list of evacuation orders, warnings, road closures and shelter information visit the Cal Fire website.

The Airport Fire, one of three major wildfires in Southern California, started Monday and raced from Trabuco Canyon to Lake Elsinore in a matter of hours. By Thursday morning, the fire burned more than 23,400 acres with containment at 5 percent.

California Wildfires Sep 10

Map: See where fires are burning in Southern California

Wildfires Sep 11

Three major wildfires burn across Southern California

Cooler temperatures were in the forecast, which will aid firefighters as they try to increase containment of the fire that has destroyed an unknown number of homes, and injured 10 firefighters and two other people.

“We got a lot of recovery (Tuesday) night because it cooled down,” OCFA Division Chief Kevin Fetterman said. “Last night, it was 60 degrees, so that helped us improve those containment lines. That containment is expected to grow in our next report.”

Fetterman added that the change in the weather overnight slowed the fire’s growth and allowed firefighters to increase containment lines.

“Most of those firefighters injured were heat-related illnesses,” Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said. “But one did get stung by numerous bees, and one sustained minor burns and the other couple had some injuries from fighting the fire, but all were released from the hospital and are doing well.”

At a Wednesday afternoon news conference, Fetterman reported two civilian injuries — one who suffered a medical emergency and one with unspecified burns — and a total of 10 firefighter injuries.

Burn scars from the Holy Fire in 2018 and 2022 also provided fire breaks.

The Airport Fire began about 1 p.m. Monday near Trabuco Canyon Road in the area of the remote-controlled airplane airport, said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Sean Doran. Concialdi said that by Tuesday morning, the fire had raced up the canyons and hillsides and crested into Riverside County. The blaze also bore down on Santiago Peak, which is home to a series of radio and television broadcast towers, used not only by local media outlets but also federal and local government agencies. The fire appeared to lap right up to the base of some of the towers, but the equipment appeared to escape any serious damage.

By early Tuesday evening, the flames marched downslope toward Lake Elsinore, with video from the area showing some structures and vehicles consumed by flames.

Orange County Fire Authority Deputy Chief TJ McGovern told reporters Monday night that the fire was accidentally sparked by a county work crew. McGovern said Orange County Public Works crews were working in the area near Trabuco Creek Road, using heavy equipment to place boulders meant to replace barriers used to restrict access to the vegetation.

The OCFA was using new firefighting helicopters that could dump 1,000 gallons of water on the flames, Doran said.

Click here for updated evacuation information.

So far in 2024, California’s state firefighting agency has reported more than 6,000 wildfires that burned more than 977,000 acres. The acreage burned is a dramatic increase from 2023, when Cal Fire reported 5,053 wildfires that burned 253,755 acres. The five-year average is 5,912 wildfires and 868,803 acres burned.

It is currently burning 51,580 with 0% containment, according to Cal Fire.

The fire was first reported on Sept. 8 at around 2 p.m. in the Angeles National Forest. It quickly grew and spread from Los Angeles County to San Bernardino County. 

Firefighters say about 40 homes and cabins have burned due to the fire. 

On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for several areas due to the Bridge Fire, Line Fire and Airport Fire. 

A state of emergency was declared in LA, San Bernardino, Orange, and Riverside counties.

“We’re deploying all available resources,” Newsom said on Wednesday. “Grateful for our heroic firefighters and first responders working around the clock.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

For a full list of evacuation orders, warnings, road closures and shelter information visit the Cal Fire website.

Bonded bald eagles Jackie and Shadow, whose journey to parenthood and egg-laying triumphs and tragedies captured the hearts of the Internet, reside in the Big Bear Valley. The feathered couple became popular thanks to a live cam of their nest hosted by nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Line Fire

Wildfires Sep 11

Line Fire arson suspect held without bail in San Bernardino County as firefighters make progress

California Wildfires Sep 10

Map: See where fires are burning in Southern California

With many eyes on the pair, the public is left wondering – will they be OK?

On its website, the nonprofit organization said on Tuesday that as of late, the birds have not spent a lot of time in their usual nest. It also pointed out that when the valley experiences something unusual such as the smoke, the pair tend to leave.

“Jackie and Shadow will be OK,” said Sandy Steers of the Friends of Big Bear Valley organization. “Even if anything happens, they fly. They know how to get away, they know what they’re doing and they won’t be so, I guess, married to this nest that they’d put themselves in danger.”

As of Wednesday, the Line Fire grew to more than 36,000 acres. About 73,000 structures were threatened by the blaze, which impacted about 100,000 people.

“In the meantime, we will keep an eye out for Jackie and Shadow visits,” Friends of Big Bear Valley said on its website. “We will keep you updated as the situation progresses.”

Cynthia Fleury, who lives on Swallow Hill Road parallel to the Angeles Crest Highway, said her house was covered with red ashes Tuesday night as flames were getting dangerously close to home.

But as her family had to leave so quickly, they left behind their pony, Willow.

“We got back up (Wednesday) morning. We wanted to check on the pony to see if she was safe, to see if she was OK,” Fleury said. “I almost cried when I saw our house was OK, and our neighbors’ house was OK.”

California Wildfires Sep 10

Map: See where fires are burning in Southern California

Wildfires Sep 11

Bridge Fire in Angeles National Forest expands to San Bernardino County, reaching Mt. High resort

Fleury’s home was still under a mandatory evacuation order, but she decided not to leave again while monitoring hot spots with her hose and preventing any flare-ups.

“We’re blessed,” Willow’s owner said. “But this was all foliage. We couldn’t see the highway, (because of) how lush it was, and it’s gone. It’s desolate now.”

“Honestly the hardest part is we are blind. I’ve been calling around all afternoon, trying to find out if my house is still there,” Danny Jacob, who recently evacuated from his home, said.  

The state’s Department of Insurance said one thing that should not be a worry for homeowners is the possible loss of their insurance.  

State law requires a mandatory one-year moratorium on insurance companies canceling or non-renewing residential insurance policies in certain neighborhoods after the governor has issued a state of emergency.    

As soon as Cal Fire establishes a perimeter at a fire site, the Department of Insurance will “put a lock in place,” according to insurance broker Karl Susman    

“The insurance carriers will not be able to non-renew properties that are in that area for at least a year,” Susman said.  

Once a state of emergency is declared, the one-year protection applies to residential policyholders who suffer less than a total loss or even no loss at all in the affected area.   

Homeowners with total loss also have additional protections under the law, according to the Department of Insurance. 

Home insurance policies could cover other costs, like overnight stays when displaced from homes – but it all depends on one’s insurance policy.

“It depends on if the evacuation order is mandatory or not. There are a lot of factors that are in there,” Susman explained. “It’s always a good idea, if you’re in the position of having to evacuate, to contact your insurance carrier and find out what coverage you might be eligible to get for that.”

Another important thing for homeowners need to remember, according to the insurance broker, is that carriers are not able to make changes to the policy when there’s an active fire.

“You can’t call them and say, ‘You know what? I think I should have more coverage today.’ That’s not going to happen,” Susman said. “The best thing that you can do is (to) get a copy of your policy. You can usually call your agent or broker or you can call the insurance carrier directly.”

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The insurance broker also urged people to ask their broker straight-forward questions such as what the policy may cover under a mandatory evacuation as every policy has different language when it comes to evacuation rules.    

New regulations, as the I-Team reported earlier in the summer, would mandate insurance companies to offer policies in certain high risk and underserved communities.     

The rules are expected to go into effect later this year and would apply to areas of distress, perhaps where wildfires are now, according to Susman, who added the premium, which will reflect that risk potential, could increase in the future but with the possibility of having more options. 

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The Airport Fire, which was reported in Trabuco Canyon Monday afternoon, expanded to burn more than 23,000 acres in Orange and Riverside Counties, but dropping temperatures may slow down the blaze, officials said Wednesday.

The Airport Fire, which was 5% contained as of Wednesday night, threatened more than 10,000 structures in both counties, injuring seven people including five firefighters. 

Lake Elsinore Unified School District canceled all classes slated for Thursday, Sept. 12.

“The fire did make a run across Ortega Highway last night. It did damage and destroy some structures off the Ortega Highway. We’ve got damage assessment teams going in today to get a look at what that damage is exactly,” Capt. Paul Holaday with the Orange County Fire Authorities said.

Gov. Newsom, who visited Southern California Wednesday, issued a state of emergency in Orange and Riverside counties as the wildfire fire grew.

Newsom had proclaimed a state of emergency for San Bernardino County for the Line Fire on Monday.

As firefighters attacked the blaze from the air and ground, they may get some relief on Wednesday with a chance in the weather. 

“The fire has slowed down for us, so we’re able to make more progress on the flanks of the fire,” Holaday said, adding temperatures were down about 15 degrees on Wednesday with higher humidity levels.

But as the wind phenomenon called the Elsinore effect could erratically force wind shifts, authorities continued to urge neighbors to follow the evacuation orders and warnings.

The fire crews and responding agencies were granted more access to fire-suppressing resources as Gov. Gavin Newsom secured a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Cal Fire officials said.

Evacuation orders

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.

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)

Evacuation sites

Orange County

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

Riverside County

• 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.

California Wildfires Sep 10

Map: See where fires are burning in Southern California

Orange County Sep 10

Airport Fire doubles in size within hours in Trabuco Canyon

Animal shelters

Orange County

• 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
  • Murrieta Equestrian Center: 42670 Juniper St. Murrieta, CA
• Animal services
  • Ralph’s Supermarket Parking Lot: 31841 Santa Margarita Parkway;  RSM, CA                           
  • OC Animal Care: 1630 Victory Road;  Tustin, CA  

Riverside County

• 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.
• Temescal Valley High School: 28755 El Toro Road; Lake Elsinore, CA
• Santiago High School: 1395 E. Foothill Parkway; Corona, CA

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A Norco man was held without bail in San Bernardino County on suspicion of sparking the Line Fire, which scorched more than 36,000 acres.

The fire, which was reported at around 6:30 p.m. last Thursday near Base Line Road and Aplin Street in Highland, was 14% contained as of Wednesday.

About 73,000 structures were threatened by the fire, which affected 100,000 people in the area, according to officials. 

No loss of life was reported.

Arson suspect arrested

As soon as the vegetation fire was first reported, Cal Fire officials with the San Bernardino unit began an investigation, reviewing surveillance video and automatic license plate readers.

When investigators conducted a search warrant at the home of Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, in the 1000 block of Detroit Street in Norco, they said they located evidence supporting his arrest in the house as well as the car.

Although Halstenberg’s LinkedIn profile says he is a delivery driver for FedEx, the company said the man wasn’t an employee last Thursday when the fire was first reported.

“This individual is no longer providing service on behalf of FedEx, nor was he at the time of this fire,” FedEx said in a statement.

“It’s my belief that as time goes on – and we allow them to do the critical work that they’re doing –  that we will actually find out this suspect may have been responsible for other fires,” San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said during a news conference Wednesday. 

Looting, burglaries

While firefighters made progress in expanding the containment of the fire as the temperatures dropped slightly Wednesday, authorities also sent a warning message to “opportunists” trying to loot vacated businesses or burglarized homes. 

At least two people were arrested for burglaries, according to the sheriff. 

“I’m drawing a line in the sand. If you’re going to be an opportunist in San Bernardino County, We will catch you. You are going to jail,” Dicus said. “We have a DA that will prosecute you.”

Evacuation orders

• The area east of Orchard Road to Cloverhill Drive from Highland Ave north to the foothills
• All undeveloped land east of Hwy 330 to Summertrail Place and north of Highland Avenue
• Communities of Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake 
• The community of Forrest Falls 
• The community of Mountain Home Village 
• The communities of Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and all campgrounds and cabins in the area 
• The areas north and east of Highland Avenue and Palm Avenue
• Green Valley Lake north from Highway 18 along Green Valley Lake Road
• Big Bear from the dam east to Wildrose Lane and the south shoreline south to Bluff Lake Basin

Evacuation warnings

• From Calle Del Rio east to Highway 38 and from Greenspot Road north to the foothills 
• From 210 freeway east to the foothills and from Greenspot road north to the foothills
• The community of Green Valley Lake north from Highway 18 along Green Valley Lake Road 
• The communities of Cedar Glen, Lake Arrowhead, Twin Peaks, Crestline, and Valley of Enchantment 
• The area from Garnet Street east to Bryant Street and Carter Street north to Mill Creek 
• The area of Big Bear Valley from the dam to Cactus Road 
• Garnett Street east to Highway 38 and Mill Creek north to the foothills

Road closures

• Highway 38 is shut down between Bryant Street and Lake Williams.
• Highway 18 is currently closed from Kuffel Canyon to the Big Bear Dam.
• Highway 330 remains closed northbound from Highland Avenue to Highway 18.

Wildfires Sep 11

Bridge Fire in Angeles National Forest expands to San Bernardino County, reaching Mt. High resort

California Wildfires Sep 10

Map: See where fires are burning in Southern California

Evacuation centers

• San Bernardino County Fairgrounds
  Building 6
  14800 7th Street
  Victorville, CA 92395
  
• Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center
  15556 Summit Ave
  Fontana, California 92336
• Temescal Valley High School
  28755 El Toro Road
  Lake Elsinore, CA

Animal shelters

Devore Animal Shelter (Large and Small Animals)
19777 Shelter Way,
San Bernardino, CA 92407
Business Hours: (909) 386-9820
After Hours: (800)472-5609

Three major wildfires continued to tear across multiple Southern California counties Wednesday, collectively scorching more than 100,000 acres with containment still out of reach for firefighters.

This live blog has ended. Follow NBCLA here for updates on the wildfires.

Dozens of homes were destroyed in the Bridge Fire as the fast-growing fire burned through Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties, leaving behind a trail of destruction Wednesday.

The cross-county wildfire burned 50,258 acres as of Wednesday evening with 0% containment.

Gov. Newsom, who visited Southern California Wednesday, issued a state of emergency in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

Orange and Riverside counties were also under a state of emergency as the Airport Fires grew.

Newsom had proclaimed a state of emergency for San Bernardino County for the Line Fire on Monday.

About 20 homes by Mt. Baldy as well as 13 homes in Wrightwood were destroyed while six cabins in the wilderness were lost in the fire. 

“It’s heartbreaking. We were just up here, walking on these trails. We had a picnic three days ago. It’s completely gone,” Dennis Hawkins, a Wrightwood resident, said. “I’m blessed that I’m alive. My wife and dog are fine. But it’s going to be a while before this town gets feeling good about itself again.”

Some 2,500 structures were threatened as fire officials were concerned about the fire growing even further with the red flag warning in effect. 

There were no reports of significant injuries or death.

The cause of the fire was still being investigated.

“This is currently the largest active fire in the state of California,” LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said. “Our priority remains the protection of life and structure and infrastructure defense.”

Massive flames from the Bridge Fire reached the Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood at one point Tuesday night.

While the resort said the flames briefly “engaged” with a few lifts, there was not significant damage.

“Great news!” the resort said in a social media post Wednesday. “All the main lifts and buildings survived with little to no damage. Thank you to all the employees and firefighters for their hard work.”

The resort had initially said base facilities remained intact.

Orange County Sep 10

Airport Fire doubles in size within hours in Trabuco Canyon

Wildfires Sep 10

Arson arrest made in 34,000-acre Line Fire in San Bernardino County

Evacuation orders

• The areas north of Angeles Crest Highway near Largo Vista.
• The areas of Angeles National Forest east of the San Gabriel Reservoir and Morris Reservoir.
• The areas south of Angeles Crest Highway near Big Pines and Wrightwood.
• Baldy Village north of the San Antonio Dam up to the Mt. Baldy Resort.
• East Fork communities of Camp Williams Resort (including the café, mobile home park, and campground) and the adjacent River Community.

Evacuation warnings

• Foothill Communities including portions of Claremont, La Verne, and San Dimas.
• The area of Valyermo, the area near the Crystalaire Country Club, and the area west of Juniper Hills.

Road closures

• Foothill Communities including portions of Claremont, La Verne, and San Dimas.
• The area of Valyermo, the area near the Crystalaire Country Club, and the area west of Juniper Hills.

Human shelters

• Antelope Valley Fairgrounds: 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536
• Pomona Fairplex: 601 W McKinley Avenue Pomona, CA 91768
  • Enter at Gate 3 and park next to the Sheraton. Then follow Red Cross signs leading to Expo Hall 5.
• Note: The shelter in Hacienda Heights is now closed.

Animal shelters

• Palmdale Animal Care Center (Small Animals Only): 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550
• Lancaster Animal Care Center (Small Animals Only): 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536
• Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (Large Animals Only): 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536
  • For Large Animal Sheltering at the Fairgrounds, please call 562-706-8581 prior to arrival.

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The Bridge Fire burning in the Angeles National Forest near Glendora grew exponentially Tuesday, going from burning 4,000 acres in the early afternoon to 46,000 acres by the evening, officials confirmed.

Officials said firefighters were faced with a tougher battle due to the changing weather conditions.

“There has been substantial wildfire growth throughout the day with movement to the north and the east, with impacts to the communities of Mount Baldy and Wrightwood,” said Anthony Marrone, Fire Chief of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, said during a news conference Tuesday evening.

The Bridge Fire, which was first reported Sunday, was still at 0% containment Tuesday evening as it made its mark on Mt. Baldy and the San Gabriel Reservoir.

Tuesday night, flames were seen ripping through a home near the Mt. Baldy Village.

As Southern California battled other major fires, including the Airport Fire in Orange County and the Line Fire in San Bernardino County, fire departments were faced with “stressing” resources, prompting LA County officials to asking for support from Northern California and other states, Marrone said.

Additional evacuation orders were issued, officials said, urging those in involuntary evacuation areas to be prepared.

“Fires can absolutely be unpredictable and are based on weather conditions, specifically wind. We highly encourage residents in any fire area to be prepared and gather important items, documents, and medications in case you have to leave your residence for an unspecified amount of time,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.

As the National Guard manned roadblocks to enforce mandatory evacuation orders, the CHP estimated about 70% of neighbors left as ordered. 

Orange County Sep 10

Airport Fire doubles in size within hours in Trabuco Canyon

California Wildfires Sep 10

Map: See where fires are burning in Southern California

Evacuation orders

• East Fork communities of Camp Williams Resort (café, mobile home park, campground)
• Adjacent river community per Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
• Baldy Village Area from the dam to Mt. Baldy Resort
• Community of Wrightwood

#BridgeFire Evacuation Order🚨‼️
Effective immediately, an evacuation order is now in effect for the following area:

The community of Pinion Hills from Wrightwood north to Highway 18 and Beekley Road west to Los Angeles County is now under an evac ORDER.

Make sure to gather… pic.twitter.com/XsHq6C877H

— San Bernardino County Sheriff (@sbcountysheriff) September 11, 2024

Road closures

• San Gabriel Canyon and East Fork of the San Gabriel River
• Highway 39
• East Fork Road
• Glendora Ridge Road
• Glendora Mountain Road
• Mt. Baldy Road at Shinn Road intersection 

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Gov. Newsom, who visited Southern California Wednesday, issued a state of emergency in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange and Riverside counties as the Bridge and Airport Fires grew. Newsom had proclaimed a state of emergency for San Bernardino County for the Line Fire on Monday.

After a string of days with temperatures over 100-degree in many areas, temperatures cooled by mid-week, aiding firefighters.

Here are the active wildfires by county.

Los Angeles County

The Bridge Fire in the Angeles National Forest near Glendora burned over 50,000 acres at 9% containment.

As of Sunday night, the fire has burned 54,658 acres and is affecting both Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

The fire is now the largest active fire burning in California, according to LA County Sheriff Robert Luna.

Since the wildfire was first reported Sunday at around 2 p.m., evacuation orders were issued for nearby neighborhoods, including the Baldy Village area from the dam to Mt. Baldy Resort.

Luckily, Mountain High ski resort was not damaged despite flames were seen surrounding the structures Tuesday night. The popular ski resort says they used their snowmaking system to fight the fires and possibly saved the resort.

Orange County

The Airport Fire in Trabuco Canyon quickly grew to over 23,000 acres since it was first reported Monday.

As of Sunday evening, the fire had burned 23,494 and was 19% contained.

The fire is now also affecting Riverside County, according to Cal Fire and is 5% contained as of Thursday evening.

Several communities were under evacuation orders and warnings as of Tuesday afternoon. 

Luckily, fire officials said they were cautiously optimistic that the dropping temperatures and rising humidity would help firefighters make progress.

Two people were injured while 10 firefighters were treated for minor injuries.

San Bernardino County

Firefighters battling the Line Fire hoped to turn the tide Tuesday as the heat wave was coming to end, accompanied by a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.

The Line Fire has burned 38,804 acres at 42% containment as of Friday morning. It has threatened 65,600 structures in the area.

A man was arrested on suspicion of starting a fire that spread wildly to the Line Fire.

Riverside County

Firefighters have made great progress in the Tenaja Fire after it burned 130 acres near Lake Elsinore.

The fire was 95% contained Tuesday.

A local emergency was proclaimed in Riverside County so the county could assess more firefighting and repair resources.

San Diego County

Since the Roblar Fire over the weekend, it burned 1,000 acres near Camp Pendleton.

Luckily, fire crews were able to stop the progress as the fire was 85% contained Tuesday.

Kern County

The Borel Fire destroyed 223 structures and damaged 29 others.

Since it was reported on July 24, the fire in the Sequoia National Forest scorched nearly 60,000 acres.  

The wildfire was 95% contained as of Tuesday.

The Train Fire that burned 48 acres in Bealville was 65% contained.

The Airport Fire in Trabuco Canyon exploded in size Tuesday to scorch over 20,000 acres at 0% containment largely due a “wind phenomenon,” officials said.

The fire is currently burning 22,376 acres as of Wednesday afternoon, according to Cal Fire.

The Elsinore effect, which can cause erratic fire behavior as a result of steep mountains and precarious weather patterns, further fanned flames downhill.

“You will have up canyon winds that are normal during the day, and then around 2, 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the winds usually will become a down canyon wind in Lake Elsinore,” Cal Fire Battalion Chief Todd Hopkins explained in a news conference Tuesday.

Posing more threats to firefighters, the flames now entered the steep, hard-to-reach terrain.

“My understanding is the fire has jumped the Ortega Highway and is now working into Decker Canyon,” Brian Fennessy, Fire Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority, said. “Anybody that knows anything about Decker Canyon and Riverside County knows that that is a very difficult place to fight fire.”

Despite firefighters’ overnight efforts, more than 3,000 homes were threatened by the wildfire, prompting additional mandatory evacuations in the area.

Two firefighters were recovering after suffering heat-related injuries, officials said.

How it started

The Airport Fire was reported at around 1:15 p.m. Monday on Trabuco Creek Road near an remote-controlled airplane airport, went from scorching 7 acres to over 2,000 acres within a few hours.

The wildfire was caused unintentionally by heavy equipment that workers were using to move boulders along Trabuco Creek Road, officials said. Despite workers’ effort to stop the spread with their fire extinguishers, the fire took off amid breezy, dry conditions. 

Evacuation orders, warnings

Additional mandatory evacuations were issued Tuesday for areas along Ortega Highway near Caspers Park, officials with the Orange County Fire Authority said. 

And more neighborhoods were under evacuation warnings, including Silverado Canyon and Modjeska Canyon.

See the map of areas under evacuation orders, warnings here.

As the heavy smoke from the fire has blanketed the area, neighbors scrambled to pack up and get to safety.

“I couldn’t think in that moment. I just grabbed my dog, and that’s it, Fernando Garcia said after leaving her home.

While the fire was burning away from the homes Tuesday, there is no word when people would be allowed to return.

“I hope they get a good handle on it today. I know they’ll have a lot of resources on it today because there are more homes around this way,” Laurie Nowocinski, who evacuated her Robinson Ranch home, said.

Road closures

The following roads were closed to the public as fire crews battled the flames.

• Plano Trabuco and Joshua Drive
• Plano Trabuco and Robinson Ranch
• Antonio and Alas de Paz
• Trabuco Canyon and Trabuco Creek
• Santa Margarita and Antonio
• Santiago Canyon Road and Live Oak Canyon Road

Wildfires Sep 9

Bridge Fire burns over 3,000 acres in Angeles National Forest near Glendora

Wildfires Sep 9

Line Fire in San Bernardino County scorches over 26,000 acres

Shelters

A temporary shelter is set up at the Lake Forest Sports Park located at 28000 Vista Terrace in Lake Forest, available to provide assistance until 10 p.m. Monday.

A long-term care shelter was established at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center at 22232 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita.

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The Airport Fire exploded in size overnight to more than 9,000 acres, forcing evacuations in Orange County Monday.

More than 1,000 firefighters were working overnight to try extinguish the flames in the Trabuco Canyon area.

The fire was reported at around 1:15 p.m. on Trabuco Creek Road near an remote-controlled airplane airport, went from scorching 7 acres to over 2,000 acres within a few hours. By 9:30 p.m. Monday, the blaze grew to burn more than 5,400 acres with 0% containment.

By Tuesday morning, the fire had scorched 9,333 acres with 0% containment.

Officials said a family of three — a husband, wife and their 3-year-old child, were rescued while hiking on Joplin trail.

Separately, a man and a cat were resting at a shelter after being rescued from the trail as well.

The rescued people were flown out of the fire zone with aircraft flown by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, officials said.

The latest fire was moving toward the site of the Holy Fire, which burned more than 23,000 acres in 2018, officials said.

Evacuation orders, warnings

In addition to the mandatory evacuation order issued for those in Robinson Ranch and Trabuco Highlands, officials said those under evacuation warnings should be prepared to leave their homes.

“Don’t wait for a mandatory evacuation order. If you are under an involuntary evacuation order, please know those are not issued lightly. That is the time to get going,” Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner said during a news conference with fire officials.

The map of the neighborhoods under evacuation orders and warnings can be found here.

Road closures

The following roads were closed to the public as fire crews battled the flames.

• Santiago Canyon Road and Live Oak Canyon Road
• Plano Trabuco and Joshua Drive
• Plano Trabuco and Robinson Ranch
• Antonio and Alas de Paz
• Trabuco Canyon and Trabuco Creek
• Santa Margarita and Antonio
• Avenida Empresa and Santa Margarita Parkway

Real-time map updates on road closures can be found here.

Shelters

A temporary shelter is set up at the Lake Forest Sports Park located at 28000 Vista Terrace in Lake Forest, available to provide assistance until 10 p.m. Monday.

A long-term care shelter was established at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center at 22232 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita.

San Bernardino County Sep 8

School closures, more evacuation orders as Line Fire grows to 23,000 acres

Wildfires Sep 9

Bridge Fire burns over 3,000 acres in Angeles National Forest near Glendora

Animals

A large animal shelter was established at 88 Fair Drive in the city of Costa Mesa.

Mission Viejo Animal Services set up a meet-and-reunite area inside the Ralphs parking lot at Santa Margarita Parkway to help people with pets.

OC Animal Care, located at 1630 Victory Road in the city of Tustin, is also able to shelter other pets. 

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As the Bridge Fire burned over 3,000 acres in the Angeles National Forest as of Tuesday morning, authorities issued an additional mandatory evacuation order, urging those living and working near Mt. Baldy to leave the area immediately.

The fire has burned 3,786 acres with 0% containment as of Tuesday morning. A smoke advisory is in effect for several areas as the Bridge Fire, Line Fire and Airport Fire continue to burn.

The evacuation order affects all residents north of the San Antonio Dam up to the Mt. Baldy Resort, officials said.

Drivers were urged not to use Mt. Baldy Road as they heed the evacuation order to leave the area. 

Highway 39, East Fork Road, Glendora Mountain Road, and Glendora Ridge Road were also closed as fire crews battled the flames.

The Bridge Fire started at 2:12 p.m. Sunday near Camp Bonita Road, East of Camp Williams, according to Cal Fire.

The fire was at 0% containment as of Monday evening.”Overnight, the fire behavior was extremely active, moving south to Glendora Mountain Road,” Forest Service officials said Monday, adding that firefighters Monday would focus heavily on structural protection of the communities in the East Fork and preventing further fire spread to the south.

Other areas under the evacuation orders include:

• East Fork communities of Camp Williams Resort (café, mobile home park, campground)
• Adjacent river community per Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

San Bernardino County Sep 8

School closures, more evacuation orders as Line Fire grows to 23,000 acres

Orange County Sep 9

Airport Fire in Trabuco Canyon explodes in size, forcing mandatory evacuation orders

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The Airport Fire that broke out in Trabuco Canyon in Orange County grew to burn about 2,000 acres Monday afternoon, prompting evacuation orders for those who live in the area.

The mandatory evacuation order affects those in Robinson Ranch and Trabuco Highlands communities.

Due to “a potential threat to life and/or property,” evacuation warnings were also issued in Robinson Ranch, Rose Canyon Road, Trabuco Creek Road, Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Oaks Drive, Joplin Loop and Cook’s Corner.

More detailed evacuation information can be found here.

Firefighters responded to the brush fire after it was first reported at around 1:15 p.m. on Trabuco Creek Road near an remote-controlled airplane airport, according to the OC Fire Authority. 

More than 40 units of firefighters attacked the fire from ground and air, the OC Fire Authority said.

Engine strike teams, hand crews, dozers, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft were deployed to put out the flames.

Wildfires Sep 9

Southern California facing bad air quality, more fire danger

San Bernardino County Sep 8

State of emergency declared for 20,000-acre Line Fire

Drivers were urged to avoid the area so firefighters can respond and work safely.

‘Unhealthy’ air

As warm temperatures trap the smoke and particles emitted from the brush fires, most of Southern California falls under the “unhealthy” air quality category, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

The Inland Empire, where the Line Fire has burned more than 20,000 acres of land, is under a smoke advisory as the air quality is considered unhealthy to very unhealthy for seniors as well as the general population due to a high level of pollutants in the air.

“Even in areas far from fires or areas not covered by a smoke advisory, if you can smell smoke or see ash from a wildfire, avoid or limit outdoor activities,” the AQMD said. 

In Orange County, the air quality in Orange County is considered unhealthy.

The air quality forecast said the Los Angeles County area could see moderate to unhealthy air quality.

More fire dangers

In addition to the triple-digit temperatures Southern California faced Monday, gusty winds and lightning elevated fire conditions across mountains, valleys and deserts, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned. 

The NWS issued a red flag warning of heightened fire danger for the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, San Gabriel Mountains, Western Antelope Valley Foothills and the 5 and 14 Freeway corridors until 10 p.m. Saturday.

Forecasters said wind conditions will “limit the potential for classic red flag criteria,” however, “there is a history of large fires with similar weather conditions during this time of the year.”

The NWS said humidity levels could drop to between 8% and 15% in the red flag areas, with little recovery during overnight hours. 

Due to the high heat and heightened fire risk, Malibu’s Trancas Canyon Park and Charmlee Wilderness Park were closed until further notice, according to the city.

Smokey hurdle for fire crews

Pyrocumulus, which are dense clouds associated with fires and volcanoes, were seen near the sites of the Bridge and Line Fires Monday, affecting firefighters’ visibility.

The cumulus cloud can sometimes be mixed with clouds, NBC Los Angeles meteorologist David Biggar said.

“The main threats for firefighters from these are collapsing pyrocumulus clouds, creating gusty and erratic winds,” Biggar said.

The winds and updrafts can also loft embers, which could lead to spot fires and create more challenges for firefighters.

San Bernardino County Sep 8

State of emergency declared for 20,000-acre Line Fire

San Gabriel Valley Sep 8

Bridge Fire continues to grow in the Angeles National Forest near Glendora

City News Service contributed to this report.

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Fire crews Monday continued to battle the Bridge Fire in the Angeles National Forest as wildfire grew to burn at least 1,255 acres.

The Bridge Fire, which prompted road closures and evacuations, started at 2:12 p.m. Sunday near Camp Bonita Road, East of Camp Williams, according to Cal Fire.

The fire was at 0% containment as of Monday morning.

“Overnight, the fire behavior was extremely active, moving south to Glendora Mountain Road,” Forest Service officials said, adding that firefighters Monday would focus heavily on structural protection of the communities in the East Fork and preventing further fire spread to the south.

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department issued evacuation orders for the East Fork communities of Camp Williams and River Community.

Road closures are in effect for Highway 39, East Fork Road, Glendora Mountain Road and Glendora Ridge Road.

Authorities said seven fire crews with 21 engines and two dozers, along with four helicopters and four fixed-wing aircraft were deployed for the Bridge Fire response.

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A state of emergency has been declared in San Bernardino County as firefighters continue battling a more than 20,000-acre blaze amid a sweltering heat wave that’s been scorching Southern California.

The quick-moving Line Fire began burning in Highland on Thursday and has since grown to 20,552 acres and only 3% contained as of Monday morning, according to Cal Fire. Thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate their homes as crews not only battle the blaze, but the elements that are contributing to the fire’s growth.

Wildfires Sep 6

Line Fire swells to 17,000-acre blaze, prompts evacuation orders in Highland

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Spreading rapidly through the San Bernardino National Forest, the Line Fire has posed a challenge to firefighters since steep terrain, triple-digit temperatures and thunderstorms have contributed to the erratic fire behavior.

About 600 firefighters are working to contain the fire, which is threatening roughly 8,000 structures near its path.

“First thing I grabbed was my mother’s ashes,” said Blaine Bacher, an Arrowbear Lake resident who vacated his home. “Second thing I grabbed was my dog’s things and next thing I did was make sure that my stepdad got his butt out of there and then everything else was an afterthought.”

The following evacuations have been issued:

Evacuation orders

• CA-38 and Middle Control Rd, Angelus Oaks
• Garnett Street east to the 138 and Mill Creek north to the foothills
• The area from Calle Del Rio to Hwy 38, including Greenspot Road North
• All underdeveloped land east of Highway 330 to Summertrail Place and north of Highland Avenue
• The areas of Running Spring east of Highway 330 and south of Highway 18 
• The communities of Running Springs and Arrow Bear Lake 
• The area east of Orchard Road to Cloverhill from Highland Avenue north to the foothills
• North of Highland Avenue and East of Palm Avenue to Highway 330

Evacuation warnings

• Neighborhoods east of Church Street, north of Highland Avenue
• Neighborhoods east of Weaver, north of Greenspot to the Iron Bridge
• Green Valley Lake
• Cedar Glen, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, and Valley of Enchantment

Road closures

• Highway 18 is closed going northbound (inbound) from Kuffle Canyon to Running Springs. Only southbound (outbound) traffic is allowed.
• Highway 18 is closed from Running Springs to Highway 38 (Big Bear Dam).
• Highway 330 is closed from Highland Ave to Highway 18 in Running Springs.

Evacuation shelters

• San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, Building 6 — 14800 7th St., Victorville, CA 92395
• Jesse Turner Community Center — 15556 Summit Ave., Fontana, CA 92336
• Devore Animal Shelter (Large and Small Animals) — 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino, CA 92407

Air quality

Due to the fire, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued a wildfire smoke advisory for a large part of the Southland that ranges from Menifee to just above Santa Clarita.

The AQMD said that satellite imagery showed smoke passing overheard across the South Coast Air Basin. Monitors and sensors detected that areas near the Line Fire measured at AQI levels that ranged from moderate to hazardous, with the highest levels recorded in Highland, Running Springs and Lake Arrowhead.

As a result, the advisory will be in effect through 5 p.m. Sunday.

State of emergency

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s state of emergency proclamation allows for state aid in the firefight and support for residents who may be impacted.

As part of the response, the state has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The declaration also allows residents who may be displaced by the blaze to have easier access to unemployment benefits and fees waived for legal documents such as marriage and birth certificates, and replacement for driver’s licenses.

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The Line Fire, which started in the east portion of the city of Highland in San Bernardino County Thursday afternoon, grew to 17,459 acres Sunday, according to Cal Fire.

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Evacuation orders

• Areas from Calle Del Rio to Highway 38, including Greenspot Road north
• All undeveloped land east of Highway 330 to Summertrail Place and north of Highland Avenue
• The areas of Running Spring east of Highway 330 and south of Highway 18 
• The communities of Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake 
• The area east of Orchard Road to Cloverhill from Highland Avenue north to the foothills

Evacuation warnings

• Neighborhoods east of Church St, north of Highland Ave.
• Neighborhoods east of Weaver, north of Greenspot to the Iron Bridge.

Resources for pets

Residents who need to evacuate can take their pets and livestock to the Devore Animal Shelter, which is located at 19777 Shelter Way in Devore.

Anyone dropping off their animal companions should make sure they have identification such as a collar or tags and any necessary medication.

More than 500 firefighters from different agencies were battling the wildfires despite the triple-digit temperatures. 

The fire crews in Highland said they typically carry 50 to 70 lbs. of equipment during their 24-hour shift, often having to walk uphill to get to the best spot to put out the flames.

LineFire
Animal Care Resources!https://t.co/5dTnPLK08u pic.twitter.com/LVyVgMwIs3

— San Bernardino County Sheriff (@sbcountysheriff) September 7, 2024

“It’s hot right now. It’s 110 degrees, so it taxes everyone,” said Justin Veloz, a firefighter with the Rialto Fire Department. “But once you start working, you forget about it. You take breaks every hour and go slow and steady.”

Air tankers worked in constant rotation from above while ground crews tried to get the upper hand on containment.

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The vegetation fire was reported around 2:20 p.m. near Soboba and Gilman Spring roads in San Jacinto. The fire was determined to be human-caused, according to CAL FIRE Peace Officers.

It was not immediately clear whether the fire was intentionally set.

As of 7:30 p.m. Sunday, the uphill burning fire was at 0% containment and evacuation warnings were maintained.

Six firefighters were transported to hospitals with minor injuries, the department stated.

#recordfire [UPDATE] 8:27 p.m. The fire is holding at 650 acres and is 0% contained. CAL FIRE Peace Officers have determined that the fire was human caused. The investigation is ongoing and evacuation warnings remain in place.

— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) September 2, 2024

An evacuation warning was issued for these zones: RVC Poppet Flats 1, 2, 3 and 4. North of Wolf Road, West of Partridge Street and Hungry Hollow Road, South of Old Idyllwild Road and East of Gubner.

The brush fire is one of more than 5,600 wildfires that have burned more than 834,000 acres so far this year in California, according to Cal Fire. At this time last year, the state firefighting agency reported 4,725 fires that burned 220,123 acres.

The five-year average during that period is 5,535 fires and more than 684,900 acres.

The first fully operational C-130 Hercules airtanker was deployed Monday with six more of the four-engine turboprop planes, originally designed to serve as a military transport aircraft, set to join Cal Fire’s arsenal.

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The aircraft were added to the fleet with passage of the National Defense Authorization Act by Congress that was signed into law by President Biden in December 2023. The legislation authorized the transfer of the retired U.S. Coast Guard planes to the state of California.

The C-130Hs were then modified with a 4,000-gallon tank and fire retardant delivery system, to perform critical retardant drops on wildfires. Cal Fire’s S-2T airtanker has a 1,200-gallon tank with a loaded range of 500 miles.

The first C-130H went into service at McClellan Airtanker Base outside of Sacramento, making California the first state to deploy the aircraft for firefighting missions.

The colossal aircraft with a gross weight of 155,000 pounds with a wingspan of 133 feet is powered by four Allison turboprop engines, each of which puts out 4,300 horsepower.

Capable of flying 800 miles with its payload of 4,000 gallons of fire retardant, the C130H has the greatest range of Cal Fire’s aerial fleet. The aircraft has a range of 3,000 miles without its payload.

“As wildfire frequency and severity increase across California, the introduction of this aircraft will undoubtedly play a crucial role in helping us achieve our initial attack goals, particularly in our efforts to keep 95% of fires at 10 acres or less,” said Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler in a statement.

The seven C130Hs will be located at air bases throughout the state.

Firefighters responded just before 11 a.m. to a report of a fire burning next to an overturned big rig and construction excavator near Pyramid Lake. The truck driver suffered minor injuries.

The Moto Fire spread to brush on the side of the freeway and spread to about 20 acres. At least one water-dropping helicopter responded to the scene.

Several northbound lanes on the 5 Freeway south of Vista del Lago were closed. Traffic was backed up for miles by midday.

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“Crews are making progress with hoselays on the perimeter of the fire,” Angeles National Forest said in a post on X. “Challenges are heavy brush, short range spot fire and terrain.”

Details about the cause of the fire were not immediately available.

#MotorFire Impressive drops from firefighting aircraft!

Crews are making progress with hoselays on the perimeter of the fire.
Challenges are heavy brush, short range spot fire and terrain. pic.twitter.com/6cHm7h5qB0

— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) August 23, 2024

After an evacuation order was lifted for people who live in the area, some returned to their homes Tuesday, finding their properties damaged and charred by the fast-moving fire.

The Hernandez family are many of the wildfire survivors trying to grip with their new reality.

“There is nothing left,” Justine Hernandez said. “We left to work, said bye to our dogs, came back, and it’s like a bomb went off.”

The Hernandez family, who bought their home during the pandemic, said they are distraught over the loss of the property as well as their beloved family members.

“My most heartbreaking part of this, it’s our dogs. That’s the hardest part,” Erika Hernandez said.

Firefighters Tuesday tried to put out hot spots along Vista Drive where five single-family homes were destroyed as well as one outbuilding, according to fire officials.

Another family on Vista Drive lost their home along with several dogs, a turtle and turkeys, as their neighbors hopelessly watched the flames engulf the property. 

“My heart breaks for our neighbors with kids. I am lucky but it’s not a good feeling,” the neighbor said.

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The fire was reported in the 3300 block of Beverly Drive in the Little Mountain area. It was reported sometime around 2:40 p.m. when the temperature at the time was 109 degrees.

The fire was quickly described as an “immediate structure threat” and as of 5:45 p.m., was held at 54 acres with 25% containment, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department. By Tuesday morning, the 100-acre fire was 75-percent contained.

“They’re really, really devastated because of their loss,” Diaz said. “You know, all the material (things), it doesn’t really matter. The motor home, the car, you know, it doesn’t really matter. It’s all material. But when you lose a pet, a loved one, it’s more difficult.”

Details about how the fire started were not immediately available.

The San Bernardino Police Department said one person was detained in connection with the fire, but officials did not release more information regarding that. They later said that individual was released.

***EVACUATION ORDER***

For the #EdgehillFire, an evacuation order has been issued for:

All residents living on the south side of and south of Ridge Line Drive

All residents living on the north side and north of Edgehill Rd west to and including Beverly Drive; east to Circle… pic.twitter.com/9WjuY83zJ7

— San Bernardino County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) August 5, 2024

The non-injury Alamos Fire was reported at 3:22 p.m. on the north side of Los Alamos Hills Sports Park, near the intersection of Los Alamos Road and Ruth Ellen Way, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said multiple engine and hand crews from the county and Murrieta Fire and Rescue were sent to the location and encountered flames burning up and over the hills fronting the park.

The flames were moving at a dangerous rate of spread toward Whitewood Road and the backside of Vista Murrieta High School which was not in session Friday, officials said.

Sheriff’s deputies and Murrieta police officers began shutting down Whitewood at 3:55 p.m. for public safety. Four Cal Fire air tankers and a water-dropping helicopter initiated runs on the brusher at 3:45 p.m.

The head of the fire was pointed toward a construction area, which was surrounded by open space, and officials at the scene anticipated the flames might lose momentum within the construction zone.

#alamosfire FIRE UPDATE:

72 Acres moving northeast
Structures threatened
Care and Reception and Murrieta Community Center

Evac information: https://t.co/MPL4mypWTy

— City of Murrieta (@CityOfMurrieta) August 2, 2024

Evacuation warnings were expected. There was no immediate word regarding how the fire might have started.

The Nixon Fire, which was first reported Monday afternoon, scorched 5,222 acres with 21% of it being contained as of Friday afternoon.

Cal Fire officials said its investigation determined the brush fire was caused by a “privately owned electrical panel” without providing further details. 

More than 1,000 personnel have been trying to extinguish and contain the fire, which destroyed four structures, including at least one home.

Evacuation orders and warnings in the nearby area continued to be in effect.

An evacuation center was set up at Hamilton High School on Mitchell Road in Anza, Cal Fire said.

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