Aided by favorable weather conditions, firefighters continue to expand to contain the three largest wildfires in Southern California that have burned more than 117,000 hectares, destroyed 242 structures and resulted in 24 injuries.
A late-summer heat wave is fueling conditions for wildfire growth, but cooler-than-normal temperatures and high humidity in recent days have contributed to firefighters being more involved in wildfires, said Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Oxnard.
The Bridge Fire, which has burned more than 54,000 acres in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, remains the largest wildfire in California. But the fire, which started on September 8 in the Angeles National Forest, was 69% contained as of Sunday, according to Cal Fire.
Crews are continuing efforts to contain the fire on the south ridge, authorities said. Airplanes will use retardant and water to stop all fires.
“Indoor smoke may be visible in the fire areas; this is expected with the current warm and dry weather, and crews will investigate smoke and extinguish isolated sources of heat,” the Cal Fire update said.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Roads and trails in the Angeles National Forest have been affected by the Bridge fire – including some areas near Mt. Baldy and Wrightwood – will remain closed until Dec. 31, 2025, to “enable the restoration of natural resources and landscape,” officials said. .
Containment of the 39,232-acre Line fire in San Bernardino County has grown to 60% as of Sunday, according to Cal Fire. Three firefighters were injured shortly after the fire broke out on Sept. 5. At least one home in Running Springs was destroyed and three other structures were destroyed, according to authorities.
Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, of Norco, was arrested Sept. 10 in connection with the Line fire after traffic cameras and automatic license plate readers helped identify a white truck that eventually led them to Halstenberg, authorities said.
He is accused of setting several fires before lighting Laini’s fire, officials said. He faces 11 counts of arson, including using incendiary devices, aggravated arson and grievous bodily harm. The last two charges carry a combined sentence of 19 years to life in prison.
Halstenberg has denied the charges.
After burning 23,519 acres in Orange and Riverside counties, the Airport fire, which started on September 9, is now 74% contained. Authorities said in an update Sunday that “heat sources remain scarce near the center of the fire” and that drones are being used to locate “hot spots in an unforgiving environment.”
An accidental spark from heavy equipment ignited the fire, authorities said.
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