Incident Update Airport Fire
- Date:
- 09/23/2024
- Time:
- 9:43 AM
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
- 81%
- Structures Threatened
- 20,780
- Structures Destroyed
- 160
- Structures Damaged
- 34
- Civilian Injuries
- 2
- Firefighter Injuries
- 19
- Civilian Fatalities
- Firefighter Fatalities
Current Situation
Situation Summary
Back hauling of equipment and other items is a priority as unified command prepares to transition the Airport Fire to a Type 3 Incident Management Team that will be based out of the Cleveland National Forest tomorrow.
Suppression repair crews continue to tidy up dozer lines and other areas disturbed by fire suppression activities. A Burned Area Response (BAER) Team has also arrived to begin assessing watersheds that may have been impacted by fire activity. The team will study potential changes in water runoff and how it may affect waterways, communities, aquatic wildlife and any other identified areas of concern. As the study continues, mitigation processes will begin.
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/alerts-notices/?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. Please 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
- 31
- Water Tenders
- 24
- Helicopters
- 7
- Dozers
- 9
- Hand Crews
- 31
- Total Personnel
- 1118
Cooperating Agencies
| Name | Phone | Address | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHP, Orange County Parks, California State Parks, Orange County Animal Control, CalOES, OC Public Works, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Office |