Incident Update Airport Fire

Situation Summary

A Type 3 Incident Management Team is now in command of the Airport fire, and will begin its first full day of operations after shadowing the outgoing team yesterday.  The incident command post will be located in Lake Elsinore, beginning Wednesday.

The fire has remained within current containment lines.  Some fireline work remains in order to achieve the 100% containment goal and it is progressing.  Most of this fireline work is being focused in the North side of the fire. However, resources are patrolling all sections constantly, watching for any unusual activity. Simultaneously, other resources are coordinating with Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams and with suppression repair groups in preparation for future rain events.

Air attack and drones with infrared technology, to detect hot spots, will remain with the Type 3 team.  Vegetation is very dry right now with a high potential for ignition. Smoke may be observed, and unburned fuels within the fire perimeter continue to burn.  Shifting winds in late afternoon may be produced by the  Lake Elsinore effect. 

Hikers and mountain bikers bikers have been observed on some of the trails within the fire’s footprint.  We would like to remind everyone that a closure order is 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 firelines constructed for the incident. https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cleveland/alerts-notices/?aid=90727 

Southern California Edison Electric Utility Company continues to replace damaged power poles and lines in the Lake Elsinore area and will be using helicopters to transport and place these 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.

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 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 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

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

Engines

6

Water Tenders

10

Helicopters

3

Dozers

11

Hand Crews

5

Total Personnel

461

Cooperating Agencies