Incident Update Airport Fire

Date:
09/20/2024
Time:
5:22 PM

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
51%
Structures Threatened
20,780
Structures Destroyed
160
Structures Damaged
34
Civilian Injuries
2
Firefighter Injuries
13
Civilian Fatalities
Firefighter Fatalities

Current Situation

Situation Summary

Last night, at approximately 6:55 p.m. Airport Fire Communications received word of a fire crew transport vehicle rollover with injuries on State Route 241. The fire crew involved is assigned to the Airport Fire and was returning to the incident base after completing their shift. The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) responded to the accident which occurred in their jurisdiction. All questions regarding this response should be directed to OCFA at (714) 357-7782.

Thoughts and prayers of Airport Fire Unified Command and all assigned incident personnel are with the firefighters involved in this accident.

Black line around the fire perimeter continues to grow each day a sign of firefighter focus and dedication toward keeping the Airport Fire within its current footprint. Weather conditions in recent days have provided opportunities to connect sections of open line into a continuous loop around the fire. Crews are mopping up and tying in all open line that remains on the perimeter. Some crews will also be "spiking out" or, camping on the fireline in the mountains, enabling them to work extended periods to address hot spots in areas with the most difficult terrain. They will be aided by incident drone flights that record information for infrared maps that pinpoint areas of high heat.

Although cooler weather has been a great benefit, it is important to complete and reinforce lines as much as possible before warm, dry, weather returns this weekend. Suppression repair activities are also being implemented.

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

Airport Fire Daily Map Products

Evacuation Shelters

Orange County:

  • Care and reception shelter(s):

    • Foothill Ranch library located at 27002 Cabriole Way, Foothill Ranch, 92610 is now open. Small household pets can co-locate.

  •   Animal services large and small:                

    • Orange County residents that need animal assistance can call (949)470-3045    

Riverside County:

  • Animal shelters:
    • Jurupa Valley Animal Shelter: 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA
    • Riverside County residents needing assistance with large animal evacuations can call (951) 358-7387

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
  • Hot Springs Canyon Road, North of
    Ortega Highway

Soft Road Closures

  • Long Canyon Road and Ortega Highway
  • North Main Divide 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

Evacuation Zones

Evacuation Information:

Evacuation Orders

Orange County:

  • Zones: ELCO1B

Riverside County:

  • Zones: RVC-1521-A, RVC-1622-A, RVC-1724-B

Evacuation Warnings

Riverside County:

  • Zones: RVC-1521-B, RVC-1622-B, RVC-1725-B, RVC-1798-A, RVC-1865-B, RVC-1724-A, RVC-1725-C

Assigned Resources

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

Engines
85
Water Tenders
34
Helicopters
9
Dozers
17
Hand Crews
73
Total Personnel
2007

Cooperating Agencies

Name Phone Address URL
CHP, Orange County Parks, California State Parks, Orange County Animal Control, CalOES, OC Public Works, Orange County Sheriff