TRABUCO CANYON, Calif. — Click here for the latest updates on the Airport Fire in Orange County and Riverside County.
Evacuation orders are still in effect for Orange and Riverside counties on Thursday as crews work to control the Airport Fire.
Cal Fire said the wildfire has burned about 23,140 acres as of Thursday and is 5% contained. The fire started amid an intense heatwave in Southern California.
Orange County Fire Capt. Steve Concialdi said eight firefighters have been treated for injuries, mostly heat-related. One resident suffered smoke inhalation and another burns, he said. Several homes burned in El Cariso Village.
Orange County Fire Authority Incident Commander Kevin Fetterman said the blaze has been difficult to tame because of the terrain and dry conditions and because some areas hadn’t burned in decades.
The fire started Monday, around 1:20 p.m. near Rose Canyon Road and Trabuco Canyon Road, according to Cal Fire.
“The cause of the fire as we announced (Monday) is accidental, unintentional, by heavy equipment working in the area of the RC Airport,” Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Paul Holaday said at a news conference Tuesday.
California is only now heading into the teeth of the wildfire season but already has seen nearly three times as much acreage burn than during all of 2023.
Links to Follow:
Evacuation Map
Find information on evacuation shelters and road closures HERE.
An evacuation map for Orange County and Riverside County is available below.
Fire Map
This map from the National Interagency Fire Center shows fire activity (this may take a few seconds to load):
Wildfire Preps
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, and supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for lvocal warning system notifications and knowing your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts.
PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register.
What questions do you have about the latest wildfires? If you're impacted by the wildfires, what would you like to know? Text the ABC10 team at (916) 321-3310.
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