Airport Fire

Situation Summary

Crews remain on the fireline today, conducting patrol, monitoring, fire suppression repair and infrastructure repair. The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team also remains on site, working in conjunction with these resources.

A drone outfitted with infrared sensors flew the fire yesterday. It reported no additional heat signatures near any of the containment lines. The fire has been static for a week, meaning it has not expanded or consumed any more acreage. Fire engines and crews continue to be posted in strategic areas around the fire, watching out for any changes. There was some smoke reported to the east of the Airport fire. This is from the Line fire on the San Bernardino National Forest and does not affect any operations here.

Fire suppression repair efforts are ongoing in all areas of the incident, with focus for the next few days centering on the Bedford Road and Santiago Ridge trails. Work continues on several sections in the south. Hazardous tree mitigation is also nearly complete in the Trabuco Canyon areas, with completion expected in the next day or two.

The temporary flight restriction (TFR) that was initiated at the beginning of the Airport Fire has been removed. However, the Forest Closure Order is still in effect for the Trabuco Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest. Please do not enter the closure area or recreate on any of the fire lines constructed for the incident. The scope of the closure may be reduced in the near future if deemed prudent and safe. For now, the full closure remains.

To view the Forest Orders and Maps, visit our website. For additional information and possible changes. Southern California Edison has restored power to the El Cariso and Decker Canyon communities. They are continuing to replace damaged power poles, lines and equipment in the Lake Elsinore area and inside the burned area. They will be using heavy equipment and helicopters to transport and place these poles. Operations will be scheduled during times of minimal highway use. All motorists should be aware that fire equipment is still working on the roads and traffic delays occur for extended periods. Please plan accordingly.

An interactive map for both counties may be found at: https://bit.ly/3TtJBW9. 

All evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted.

Additional fire information can be found here. 

3D Map

Airport Fire Daily Map Products

Airport Fire Photos and Videos

Road Closures

Highway 74 is now open. There is still infrastructure repair occurring through Highway 74 please use caution and slow to a safe speed. Commuters should expect intermittent lengthy delays due to ongoing repair of infrastructure along the highway. Be aware that several roads off of Ortega Highway in or near the fire area in both Riverside and Orange Counties remain closed.

Hard Road Closures

• Trabuco Creek Road
• Maple Springs Road
• North Main Divide Road at Ortega Highway
• Long Canyon Road at Ortega Highway

Forest Closure

The Cleveland National Forest has a temporary closure of the Trabuco Ranger District. This closure prohibits going into or, being upon any National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the boundaries of the Trabuco Ranger District. The closure will be in effect from September 18, 2024 until September 17, 2025, to provide for public health and safety concerns related to the Airport Fire. To view the Forest Orders and Maps, visit our website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cleveland/alerts-notices/?aid=90727