Rapid Spread of the Airport Fire
Orange County officials say public works crews likely sparked Airport Fire, which rapidly spread, burning over 5,400 acres on Monday. Orange County firefighters rushed to Trabuco Canyon to extinguish the fire, which started near a remote-controlled airplane airport. The Airport Fire quickly engulfed vegetation on the hillside, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes for safety.
Evacuations and Road Closures
Authorities issued voluntary evacuation warnings for residents near Rose Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Creek Canyon Road, Trabuco Oaks Drive, and Joplin Loop. An evacuation order was placed for homes on Meander Lane, including the Robinson Ranch HOA, Trabuco Highlands HOA, and Trabuco Highlands Apartment Complex. Firefighters requested that residents avoid the area, ensuring their efforts could be focused on containing the fire. Numerous roads, such as Plano Trabuco and Joshua Drive, and Antonio and Alas de Paz, were closed to facilitate emergency response.
Fire Growth and Emergency Response
The Airport Fire grew from 7 acres to more than 5,400 acres within just eight hours, according to Cal Fire officials. However, the Orange County Fire Authority reported that the fire moved uphill and away from residential areas, reducing immediate threats to homes. Orange County dispatched around 1,000 personnel, including helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and hand crews, to control the flames. Two Orange County firefighters and one civilian were hospitalized for heat-related injuries and smoke inhalation, respectively, with all expected to recover.
Fire’s Path and Prior Burn Scar
During a press conference Monday, Cleveland National Forest District Ranger Darrell Vance explained that the fire was heading toward the 2018 Holy Fire burn scar. That previous blaze destroyed nearly 20 structures and burned more than 23,000 acres of land, highlighting the potential danger. Vance noted that the prior burn scar could help contain the fire’s spread, though officials remain cautious in their predictions.
Cause of the Fire and Related Blazes
Officials believe that public works crews using heavy equipment may have accidentally started the fire, though the investigation remains ongoing. This fire is one of three major blazes currently burning across Southern California, alongside the Line Fire in San Bernardino County and the Bridge Fire in the Angeles National Forest.
Riverside County Impact and School Closures
In addition to Orange County evacuations, Riverside County also issued evacuation warnings for areas near the Santa Ana Mountains. These warnings included zones such as RVC 1153, 1265, 1267, and others, as well as areas north of Main Divide Road and west of Interstate 15. Due to the smoke, Lake Elsinore Unified School District announced that all schools would be closed on Tuesday as a precaution.
Falling Ash and Widespread Effects
As the Airport Fire continued to spread, residents reported falling ash as far south as Temecula on Monday evening. Orange County officials say public works crews likely sparked Airport Fire, and containment efforts remain ongoing.
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