Major Southern California Fires Claim More Than 200 Structures, Homes

Three major fires have caused destruction and damage to homes in several counties as firefighters work to contain the blazes as of Sept. 16.

In El Cariso Village, Calif., the Airport Fire has left scorched earth in its wake, destroying 160 structures, including homes, and damaging 34 others since it began on Sept. 9. The fire, now at 31 percent containment, was caused by a Public Works crew accident, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. It has grown to nearly 37 square miles, incinerating homes in its path.

Fire crews have made progress in fighting the Airport Fire, with 2,200 personnel, eight firefighting helicopters, and 252 fire engines on the ground. Meanwhile, the Bridge Fire in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties covers about 85 square miles and has destroyed 54 homes and damaged 13 others. The Line Fire and the Bridge Fire continue to pose a threat, with more than 200 structures lost and residents evacuated.

As firefighters work to contain the blazes, they face challenges with downed power lines and safety concerns. Cal Fire has warned the public about the dangers of using generators and solar power near downed power lines.

In Wrightwood, a mountain community in the San Gabriel Mountains, the Bridge Fire has devastated the town, destroying homes and forcing residents to evacuate. The town, known for its natural beauty and recreational activities, remains under full evacuation as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.

A map published by San Bernardino County showed several homes destroyed on the outskirts of the town.

Fire officials were unable to describe the location or structures burned down by the fire, according to fire spokeswoman Lisa Cox.

“We don’t release that information,” Cox told The Epoch Times.

Several areas of Los Angeles and San Bernardino remained under evacuation orders and warnings as the week started.

Some 3,300 residents remained under evacuation orders Monday, and another 3,000 were under warnings, according to Mara Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Bridge Fire Operations Chief Don Fregulia said during a morning briefing Monday fire crews had contained about 11 percent of the fire’s perimeter.

“Although windy conditions hampered night flying aircraft last night, firefighters were successful in their direct and indirect line construction, increasing containment by two percent,” fire officials said Monday.

About 2,800 fire personnel, including hot shot crews, were fighting the fire where they could on Monday, though some areas were steep, rugged, and unforgiving country,” Fregulia said.

“We’re really paying attention over here and will insert boots on the ground when it picks up,” Fregulia said, pointing to a northern section of the fire near Pigeon Ridge and Rattlesnake Peak.

Crews were also focusing on the area around Mt. Baldy Village, just down the mountain from Wrightwood. Firefighters had gained ground around the area and were mopping up, he said.

“We’re starting to feel a bit more confident about some containment in the coming days,” he said.

A third fire—the Line Fire—reached 42 percent containment in San Bernardino County.

The fire reached 61 square miles on Monday.

One house near Keller Peak in the northern region of the fire had been destroyed and three others were damaged by Monday. No injuries were reported in the blaze that is burning mostly in rural dry vegetation.

Nearly 4,000 fire personnel were working on getting the flames under control, aided by 381 fire engines, 15 helicopters, 56 bulldozers, and other equipment.

Fire officials expected strong winds along the ridges in the fire area Monday.

“The fire is still smoldering and creeping in dry vegetation,” Cal Fire reported. “Firefighters are continuing building and strengthening control lines and mopping up hot spots.”

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