After an intense heat wave that broke records with triple-digit temperatures in Southern California, strong winds will begin to affect some areas of the state.
The danger of wildfires remains high as firefighters from Cal Fire and other local agencies struggle to combat three massive fires in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange counties.
Cal Fire reported that there are currently 6,045 fires and among them, about 20 fires are larger than 10 acres in the Golden State. For more information on each fire, visit the CalFire page here.
Air quality has also been severely affected. The South Coast Air Quality Management District reported that air quality has been rated as “unhealthy” in several areas of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange counties. Visit this article for recommendations if you live in an affected area.
Gov. Newsom, who visited Southern California on Wednesday, issued a state of emergency in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange and Riverside counties as the Bridge, Airport and Line fires grew.
Newsom had proclaimed a state of emergency for San Bernardino County over the Line fire on Monday.
The map below shows where wildfires are burning in the area. Click on each fire icon for details on the fire.
https://livingatlas.arcgis.com/wildfireaware/#ext=-96.616,43.139,12,loc=
Fire Line: San Bernardino County
The Line Fire broke out at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5 between Base Line Road and Aplin Road in the town of Highland in San Bernardino County.
The flames have spread along the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest in the Highland area. As of Wednesday afternoon, according to recent information from Cal Fire, it had burned 36,481 acres of grass, brush and trees, leaving a thick, dark cloud of smoke covering the area.
Firefighters had achieved 18% containment.
According to Cal Fire, about 36,328 structures are threatened by the fire, including single- and multi-family homes, commercial buildings and other minor structures.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department also announced the arrest of one person in connection with the fire. Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, of Norco, is accused of starting the fire in the area of Baseline Road and Alpin Street in Highland. He is being held without bail
Bridge Fire: Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties
The Bridge Fire started around 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, near the area of East Fork Road and Glendora Mountain Road, according to the Angeles National Forest.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issued an evacuation order for the East Fork communities of Camp Williams and River Community on Sunday night. Additionally, visitors and tourists who are in the area are also asked to evacuate.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire had burned 50,258 acres after spreading into San Bernardino County, with 0% containment.
Airport Fire: Orange and Riverside Counties
A wildfire started Monday, Sept. 9, at 1:15 p.m., on Trabuco Creek Road near a drone airport, according to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA).
Cal Fire reported that as of Wednesday afternoon, the fire had burned 23,412 acres (4,412 m) after spreading into Riverside County. It remains at 5% containment.
OCFA and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department have issued an evacuation order for residents in the area due to the rapid growth of the fire.