Incident Update Airport Fire
- Date:
- 09/24/2024
- Time:
- 7:06 PM
Public Information Email: 2024.airport@firenet.gov
Fire Information: (949)384-8736
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
- 23,526
- Containment
- 88%
- Structures Threatened
- 20,780
- Structures Destroyed
- 160
- Structures Damaged
- 34
- Civilian Injuries
- 2
- Firefighter Injuries
- 20
- Civilian Fatalities
- Firefighter Fatalities
Current Situation
Situation Summary
The primary objective is to keep the fire within current containment lines. Eighty-eight percent of the fireline is secure, but a few areas have potential for the fire to creep past the line. Firefighters are keeping an eye on these steep drainages that continue to smolder within a thick layer of brush and duff.
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.
Watershed assessment is underway in conjunction with suppression repair in preparation for 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/alerts-notices/?aid=90727
Notice: Southern California Edison Electric Utility Company will be replacing damaged power poles and lines today in the Lake Elsinore area and will be using helicopters 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 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
Assigned Resources
Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow.
- Total Personnel
- 584
Cooperating Agencies
| Name | Phone | Address | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAL FIRE, US Forest Service, Orange County Sheriff Department, California Highway Patrol, CAL OES, Orange County Public Works, Riverside County Sheriff Department, Southern California Edison. |