Incident Update Airport Fire

Situation Summary

The cooler weather brought reduced fire activity during Wednesday’s operations, reducing its intensity and lateral spread.  This enabled crews to aggressively begin securing areas of the fire perimeter.  Although there are unchecked areas of the fire, resources continue to engage in all areas, constructing firebreaks, extinguishing hotspots, and seeking opportunities to contain the fire’s perimeter.  Dozers are cutting firebreaks along the western side of the fire’s footprint in Silverado, Modjeska, and Trabuco Canyon, constructing firebreaks to stop any further spread.

The southeast side of the fire along the Ortega Highway is an operational priority.  Crews are conducting structure defense and extinguishing hot spots along the front.  Fire Agency resources are also present in all neighborhoods, ensuring there are no additional flare-ups in the area.  Aircraft have been working throughout the day in all areas, making water and retardant drops in key locations.  The fire has damaged some residences.  Damage assessment teams will be in these areas tomorrow to determine the amount and extent of damage.

Resources will continue to be engaged throughout the night and into Thursday morning, creating a new fire line and mopping up the fire’s edge.

The weather is expected to be nearly the same as on Wednesday, with temperatures around 78-80 degrees with light winds.

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 Orders

Evacuation Orders have been issued for the following zones:

Orange County:

• Zones: ELC01, RSM03, ORT01

Riverside County:

• Zones: LSN-1524, LSN-1525, LSN-1526, LSN-1623, LSN-1624, LSN-1625, LSN-1626, LSN-1627, LSN-1799, LSN-1803, RVC-1521, RVC-1622, RVC-1724, RVC-1725, RVC-1726, RVC-1728, RVC-1729, RVC-1798, RVC-1800, RVC-1801, RVC-1802, RVC-1804, RVC-1806, RVC-1807, RVC-1808, RVC-1809, RVC-1810, RVC-1865, RVC-1866, RVC-1867, RVC-1868, RVC-1869, RVC-1870, RVC-1933, RVC-1934, RVC-1935, RVC-1936, RVC-1999, RVC-2000, RVC-2074, RVC-2075, RVC-2142, RVC-2143, RVC-2144, RVC-2197, RVC-2243

North of San Diego/Riverside County Line, South of Orange County Line, East of Orange County Line, West of S Main Divide/Grand Ave.

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

15

Helicopters

10

Dozers

7

Hand Crews

8

Total Personnel

771

Cooperating Agencies