Incident Update Airport Fire
- Date:
- 09/22/2024
- Time:
- 2:35 PM
Public Information Email: 2024.airport@firenet.gov
Primary Media Line: 949-573-5527
Incident Facts
- Name
- Airport Fire
- Start Date/Time
- 2024-09-09
- Incident Status
- Active
- Location
- Trabuco Canyon and Rose Canyon, Trabuco Canyon
- Type
- Wildfire
- Cause
- Equipment
- Counties
- Orange, Riverside
- Administration Unit
- Riverside County Fire Department
- Unified Command Agency(s)
- Size
- 23,519
- Containment
- 74%
- Structures Threatened
- 20,780
- Structures Destroyed
- 160
- Structures Damaged
- 34
- Civilian Injuries
- 2
- Firefighter Injuries
- 19
- Civilian Fatalities
- Firefighter Fatalities
Current Situation
Situation Summary
Firefighters are working diligently to complete fireline tasks amidst warmer temperatures, drying
vegetation and anticipated shifting winds this afternoon from the Lake Elsinore Effect.
Heat sources are scarce around the fire perimeter but, pockets of heat in duff and leaf litter remain in some
areas. Drones equipped with infrared technology are being used to assist crews in locating hot spots in
unforgiving terrain.
Suppression repair is occurring simultaneously with mop up and backhaul of equipment. Firefighters are
removing fire hose, pumps, other equipment and trash left in the fire area. Waterbars are being
constructed along the lines to divert water into drainages in an effort to prevent erosion.
The overall strategy is for firefighters to prepare the area for both the potential of Santa Ana Winds and
future rain events.
A closure order is in effect for the Trabuco Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest. Firefighters
have observed hikers and mountain bikers in the area. Please do not enter the closure area or recreate on
any of the firelines constructed for the incident. https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cleveland/alertsnotices/?aid=90727
Notice: Southern California Edison Electric Utility Company has announced plans to replace damaged
power poles and lines beginning Tuesday along Ortega Highway. Helicopters will be used to transport and
place poles. Operations will be scheduled during times of minimal highway use. However, all motorists
should be aware that traffic delays can occasionally occur for extended periods. We ask that you plan
accordingly
Governor Gavin Newsom has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppressing the Airport Fire.
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 Canyon Road and Trabuco Creek Road
- Silverado Canyon and Maple Springs
- North Main Road and Ortega Highway
- Long Canyon Road and Ortega
Highway
Forest Closure
The Cleveland NF has temporary closure of the Trabuco Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest. 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
Assigned Resources
Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow.
- Engines
- 47
- Water Tenders
- 34
- Helicopters
- 8
- Dozers
- 9
- Hand Crews
- 35
- Total Personnel
- 1189
Cooperating Agencies
| Name | Phone | Address | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHP, Orange County Parks, California State Parks, Orange County Animal Control, CalOES, OC Public Works, Orange County Sheriff |