3 weeks Ago
This is a developing story and will be updated. Firefighters across Southern California are making slow and steady progress to contain three major wildfires. More than 110,000 acres have gone up in flames, forcing tens of thousands of evacuations and destroying homes.
Firefighters are spread thin. Favorable weather conditions yesterday limited the fires' spread. A strong marine layer brought moisture to the air that raised humidity during the rest of the day, and favorable winds and low temperatures have also helped firefighters contain the blazes, according to CalFire incident reports.
Officials expect these conditions to continue into the weekend, though they are monitoring the possibility of smoke and fog affecting visibility. Authorities say two of the fires — Airport and Line — were caused by humans, the first by accident and the other allegedly intentional. The cause of the Bridge Fire is under investigation.
All three fires still remain under 50% containment, with the Bridge Fire only 3% contained. All week, massive plumes of smoke have been visible throughout the region, prompting air quality warnings that are expected to continue. Gov.
Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, where the fires are burning. Here's what we know about each of the fires so far: For the most up-to-date information about the fire you can check: The Airport Fire ignited Monday afternoon in Trabuco Canyon near the city of Rancho Santa Margarita, quickly prompting evacuations. Evacuation orders are in place for the following areas.
Many mandatory evacuations have been downgraded: Evacuation warnings have been issued for communities in both Orange and Riverside counties. See a complete list . Orange County Riverside County Jurupa Valley Animal Shelter: 6851 Van Buren Blvd.
, Jurupa Valley (animals) For the most up-to-date information about the fire you can check: The Bridge Fire, the largest wildfire currently burning in Southern California, ignited on Sunday afternoon in the Angeles National Forest and has burned tens of thousands of acres this week. Fire officials say that 20 homes were destroyed in Mt. Baldy, 13 homes in Wrightwood and five cabins in wilderness areas.
On Friday, residents in Wrightwood are being warned to not drink tap water or use it for cooking. The Wrightwood water system may have fire-related contamination, including harmful chemicals like benzene or other “volatile” substances, according to Golden State Water Company . Drinking the water could cause illness.
Evacuation orders have been issued for the following areas: For the most up-to-date information about the fire you can check: The Line Fire began more than a week ago, and has forced evacuations in Big Bear, Running Springs and other mountain communities. More than 73,000 structures — including homes and businesses — have been threatened by this fire. Authorities arrested Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a contract delivery driver from Norco, late Tuesday on suspicion of arson.
San Bernardino sheriff's officials allege that Halstenberg intentionally started the fire near Base Line Street and Alpine Street in the city of Highland. Halstenberg is facing nine charges, including aggravated arson, arson causing great bodily injury, arson of forest land, and arson of residence. He is expected to make his first court appearance on Monday, Sept.
16. Sheriff Shannon Dicus said that investigators were looking into the possibility that Halstenberg may be responsible for setting other fires. Evacuation orders have been issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for the following areas: The following warning have been issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (authorities say residents who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock, should leave immediately): According to Cal Fire : Halstenberg, who was arrested Tuesday, is being held in county jail in lieu of $80,000 bail.
He is scheduled to appear Friday in San Bernardino Superior Court, according to jail records. Sheriff's officials are asking anyone with information related to the investigation to contact Detective Jake Hernandez at (909) 425-9793. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME or go to wetip.
com. This is a developing story. During the day, Jacob Margolis, Erin Stone, Gillian Morán Pérez, Makenna Sievertson and Libby Rainey, Kevin Tidmars are contributing.
Editors are Karina Gacad, Megan Garvey, George Kiriyama, Dana Littlefield and Tiffany Ujiiye. We fact-check everything and rely only on information from credible sources (think fire, police, government officials and reporters on the ground). Sometimes, however, we make mistakes and/or initial reports turn out to be wrong.
In all cases, we strive to bring you the most accurate information in real time and will update this story as new information becomes available..
