Incident Update Airport Fire

Situation Summary

The Airport Fire remains a significant threat to Orange County and Riverside County communities. While the Orange County Incident Management team has transitioned to California Incident Management Team 2, a unified command structure remains in place to coordinate efforts across all cooperating agencies. Through relentless firefighting, crews have managed to contain 5% of the Airport Fire, marking a positive step towards controlling the fire.   To effectively combat the fire, firefighter priorities include containing the northern flank, constructing fire lines, seizing favorable weather conditions for direct engagement, and maintaining strong coordination between agencies. Ongoing tasks involve monitoring fire behavior and supporting affected communities. By prioritizing these actions, firefighters can minimize damage and protect the affected communities. The fire continues to spread along all fronts, with the southeastern fronts showing the most growth. The fire made several runs at the Santiago Peak communications array this morning.  Although there was some damage, the facility continues to function.  The fire crossed Ortega Highway and impacted structures in the area; firefighters are actively engaged in these areas. Crews will continue constructing direct and indirect fire lines while scouting for additional opportunities to establish containment lines.   Weather permitting and when terrain and fire behavior allow, firefighters will build a line directly along the fire's edge. The work of current and incoming hand crews is essential for capitalizing on this favorable window. Firefighters continue working both day and night shifts, along with helicopters, air tankers, and heavy equipment, to continue engaging the fire on all sides to limit the lateral spread. Additional resources are in neighborhoods and communities, providing defense of structures and critical infrastructure. Damage assessments will be conducted within the fire area as conditions allow, prioritizing safety. Due to the nature of the fire, multiple areas have experienced structural damage, and the full extent of the losses is currently being evaluated. A damage assessment team will be deployed to survey the affected areas and provide a more accurate count of damaged structures. Additional firefighting resource requests are being made to our partner agencies around the state.   Evacuations remain in place to protect lives, but the unpredictable nature of the fire poses risks to those who remain in the affected areas. To minimize the damage and ensure the safety of all, individuals and communities should follow evacuation orders, stay informed about the situation, prepare for potential power outages, protect their property if possible, and support relief efforts.   The safety of firefighters and the public remains paramount in our response to the Airport Fire. Unfortunately, there have been reported injuries among both firefighters and the public. The fire managers will continue to actively implement measures to mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of all personnel involved.

 

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.

3D Map

 

Evacuation Information:

Evacuation Warnings

Evacuation Warnings have been issued for the following zones:

Orange County:

• Zones: TBU01, RSM02, RSM01, ORT01, MOD01, SIL01, CDC01, & CDC02

Riverside County:

• Zones: RVC-1153-A, RVC-1265, RVC-1267, RVC-1269, RVC-1395, RVC-1396, RVC-1397, RVC-1398, RVC-1399, RVC-1400, RVC-1401, RVC-1402, RVC-1404, RVC-1405, RVC-1522, RVC-1523, RVC-2076, RVC-2077, RVC-2145, RVC-2146, RVC-2147, RVC-2244, RVC-2245, RVC-1160, RVC-1154, RVC-1156, RVC-1052, RVC-1155, RVC-1263, RVC-1158, RVC-1262, RVC-1161, RVC-1157, RVC-1261, RVC-1259, RVC-1260, RVC-1266, RVC-1159, RVC-1050

Temporary Evacuation Site

Orange County:

• CARE AND RECEPTION SHELTER(S):
  • RSM Bell Tower Community Center: 22232 El Paseo;  Rancho Santa Margarita, CA  (Open 24 Hours)
• LARGE ANIMAL SHELTERS:
  • Orange County Fairgrounds: 88 Fair Drive;  Costa Mesa, CA                   
  • Los Alamitos Race Course: 4961 Katella Avenue, Cypress, CA             
  • Nohl Ranch Saddle Club: 6352 E. Nohl Ranch Rd. Anaheim, CA
  • Serrano Creek Stable in Lake Forest is currently full.
•   ANIMAL SERVICES:
  • Mission Viejo Animal Services is at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center to assist with sheltering pets and help evacuated residents reunite with their pets. If you need assistance with your pet, please call 949-470-3045 and press 2.                     
  • OC Animal Care: 1630 Victory Rd., Tustin, CA    

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Riverside County:

• CARE AND RECEPTION SHELTER(S):
  • Temescal Canyon High School: 28755 El Toro Road, Lake Elsinore, CA
  • Santiago High School: 1395 E Foothill Pkwy, Corona, CA
  • An additional Evacuation Shelter is open at Temescal Canyon High School in the big gym located at 28755 El Toro Rd, Lake Elsinore, CA. The site is equipped with cots, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, water, snacks, and welcoming staff. 

• ANIMAL SHELTERS:
  • Jurupa Valley Animal Shelter: 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA
  • An additional Large Animal Shelter is available at the Murrieta Equestrian Center located at 42670 Juniper St, Murrieta, CA. Basic food and water are available at animal shelters. If your pets/animals have special diets or special needs, please bring special food or medications with your animals.
  • Riverside County residents needing assistance with large animal evacuations can call (951) 358-7387.

Road Closures

• Plano Trabuco / Joshua Drive                                      
• Santa Margarita Parkway / Antonio Parkway
• Plano Trabuco / Robinson Ranch                                   
• Avenida Empressa / Santa Margarita Parkway
• Antonio Parkway / Alas de Paz                                      
• Trabuco Canyon / Trabuco Creek
• Santiago Canyon Road                                                     
• Live Oak Canyon Road
• Ortega Highway (east of Quarry to Grand Avenue in Lake Elsinore)

Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow.

Engines

134

Water Tenders

17

Helicopters

10

Dozers

7

Hand Crews

8

Total Personnel

771

Cooperating Agencies