California is the state eternally battling wildfires. 6,378 wildfires are currently burning in California, with approximately 995,639 acres burned, around the same size as Rhode Island. Three fires currently burn around the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, consisting of the Line, Bridge, and Airport Fires. Please keep in mind that this information was gathered on September 20th, 2024.
The Bridge fire is the largest of the three fires, burning in the Angeles National Forest in the Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. At only 37% contained, it started on September 5th, with currently 73 structures destroyed, along with 18 damaged in a fire that has injured three firefighters responding to contain the fire. 2,622 fire responders, shored up with 18 helicopters, 166 fire engines, and many other vehicles plus equipment, are battling this fire. Investigations are continuing, but no cause has been determined at this time.
The Line fire is the second largest fire of the trio, and the most contained of the three at 50%. The Line fire is burning in San Bernardino County, threatening the City of Highland and Big Bear Lake. 3,603 fire personnel, 315 fire trucks, 14 helicopters, and many other vehicles, are responding to the fire and working to contain the blaze. 1 building has been destroyed, with 4 damaged. A suspect has been arrested in the investigations and was charged with 11 counts of arson related charges, which he has pleaded not guilty to. The fire was reported as beginning near Base Line Road and Alpin Street in Highland on September 5th.
The Airport fire is the smallest of the three major Southern California Wildfires, burning in Orange County. At 35% contained, 1,988 firefighters along with 17 helicopters and 80 trucks are actively fighting the flames that have destroyed 160 structures, damaging another 34 and injuring 15 first responders and civilians. These numbers fluctuate as a result of the unpredictability of wildfires. To keep up with current information, CALFIRE’s website posts updates on situations as they develop. Officials have reported that heavy equipment being used by public works crews were the cause in the fire, and have determined that it was accidental. In an interview with KTLA 5, former Villa Park firefighter Steve Palmer called out the fact that heavy machinery was used. “It’s triple digits and you’re going to use a big piece of steel equipment to hit rocks? That always causes sparks…Who wouldn’t know to assume that?”
CAL FIRE is California’s premiere fire agency. Officially known as The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, CAL FIRE aims to protect the lives, property, and resources of the State. With 12,000 permanent and seasonal responders, they don’t just respond to fires. CAL FIRE works with local agencies to mitigate wildfire risk, using controlled burns and managing vegetation. CAL FIRE has even begun to employ AI to spot fires before they can grow dangerous, in a partnership with University of California, San Diego. CAl Fire’s duties also include restoring natural environments and making sure they are protected. CAL FIRE is one of the main responders to California’s various wildfires, responding to the Bridge and Line fires, partnering with various other agencies, while the Riverside County Fire Department battles the Airport Fire. In the battle against fires, CAL FIRE combines ground crews with Aerial support in the form of tankers and helicopters to aggressively contain their spread. Fire crews aren’t just focused on pouring water on fires, but creating firebreaks, a clearing of vegetation acting as a wall to hold the fire from spreading. Aircraft drop fire retardant to slow the spread, and water to target specific areas to fight the spread.
Local First Responders also play a large role in the battle against wildfires. Local Fire Departments act quickly when wildfires occur, but they are not the only response to these fires. Local, county, and state law enforcement agencies play a role in the response. Law Enforcement assists in warning local communities about approaching wildfires and evacuation orders. Police agencies also assist with road closures to direct traffic away from areas under threat. The state usually sends resources to assist with fires. The California National Guard has been used to run checkpoints, evacuate people from wildfires and fight fires. In the Line Fire, the National Guard will help with managing traffic in evacuation areas, and helping CAL FIRE by air and on the ground.
When California battled massive wildfires spreading across the state in 2020, aid came from across the country and the world. Australian and New Zealand firefighters helped fight wildfires affecting the state, as part of an over 15 year long partnership between the nation’s fire agencies. In the 2024 wildfires, first responders from Texas, Utah, Nevada, and North Dakota have been deployed to California. Fire Supervisors from Florida, Arkansas, Oregon, and aid from New York City and Australia are being used to help in managing the state’s fires.
Communities are affected by wildfires. One community impacted by the current wildfires is Big Bear Lake, which is under an evacuation warning. CA 330, also known as City Creek Road, had been closed due to the threat posed by fires. A portion of Big Bear lake was under a mandatory evacuation order from Big Bear Dam to Cactus Road, most of Big Bear Valley. As of September 20th, the mandatory evacuation order for Big Bear was dropped, but a warning remains in place. CAL FIRE has also warned the public to not fly drones near fire areas due to the risk they can have on fire fighting operations. “If you fly, we can’t”. CalFire also recommends people’s homes be made from fire resistant materials, people to create plans and an emergency kit, evacuate early and be prepared to leave your home when a warning hits. People affected by wildfires have many resources available to them. Organizations like the Red Cross provide aid to families and individuals displaced by fires along with shelters. Certain animal shelters will also be designated as emergency places to house pets and animals. FEMA offers aid to those who’s homes, businesses, and or property were damaged or destroyed by going to their website, and submitting an application.
As of September 27th, 2024, the Line Fire has been 95% contained, the Bridge fire is 97% contained, and the airport fire is 95% contained. Certain roads remain closed, with the Line Fire being the only of the three that still has an evacuation order. Resources assigned to each fire have dropped as a result of less necessity for active fire fighting. To keep up to date with current California Wildfires, CAL FIRE provides nearly daily updates on wildfire progress and incidents.
If you need to report a fire or activities that may cause a fire, or are illegal, calling 911 is the best course of action. According to Smokey the Bear, “Remember. Only you can prevent wildfires.”
