A fast-moving wildfire accidentally sparked this week by heavy equipment in Trabuco Canyon in Orange County grew Wednesday to more than 22,000 acres, forcing evacuations, threatening communications equipment on Santiago Peak, shutting down roads, including part of Ortega Highway, and stretching firefighting resources thin in a region plagued by days of searing heat, authorities said.
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CalFire officials reported early Wednesday, Sept. 11, that the Airport fire had swelled to 22,376 acres, racing through wildland in both Orange and Riverside counties, with no containment reported. Officials said the flames had crossed Ortega Highway, a main thoroughfare in the region, and were “actively impinging on structures in the area” but it was unclear how many structures were involved or to what degree they were damaged.
Several other roads also were closed, and temporary evacuation centers were set up in various spots in both Orange and Riverside counties for both people and animals that were potentially in harm’s way.
More than 600 firefighters were battling the flames, aided by helicopters and air tankers as first responders sought to protect homes and businesses throughout the area.
Authorities said the fire began Monday afternoon as Orange County public works crews were putting boulders in place to prevent access to vegetation. But a spark from the heavy equipment started a wildfire, which then spread uncontrollably. It was first reported just before 1:30 p.m. Monday in the 32200 block of Trabuco Creek Road, Orange County Fire Authority Deputy Chief TJ McGovern said.
Early Tuesday, the blaze was burning toward the north and the east in the direction of the Ortega Highway and Riverside County and away from Rancho Santa Margarita, Capt. Paul Holaday of the Orange County Fire Authority said. Later in the afternoon, the fire jumped Ortega Highway and caused several areas in Riverside to be under evacuation orders.
OCFA Chief Brian Fennessy said there is a strain on personnel because of the several large fires raging in the region, including the Line fire in the San Bernadino National Forest and the Bridge fire in the Angeles National Forest, which are competing for resources.
Tal Hayes, fire chief for the Cleveland National Forest, said they are trying to survey damage to 36 cabins in Trabuco and Silverado Canyons.
There has been no damage to homes, Capt. Holaday said.
What caused the Airport fire?
The blaze was believed to have started unintentionally from the use of heavy equipment by an Orange County public works crew while placing boulders meant to replace barriers to restrict access to vegetation. It was first reported just before 1:30 p.m. Monday in the 32200 block of Trabuco Creek Road, Orange County Fire Authority Deputy Chief TJ McGovern said.
“The cause of the fire was a spark from heavy equipment,” McGovern said on Monday. “After placing a load of boulders, the operators began seeing smoke coming from the area of the loader’s basket.”
In eight hours, the blaze exploded to nearly 5,500 acres with no containment, burning east toward Riverside County. Evacuation orders and warnings were issued.
Overnight, the fire grew to an estimated 8,500 acres, and by mid-morning on Tuesday had blackened another 500 acres.
“Our objective is to keep it on this side of the main divide so it doesn’t go into Riverside (County),” Holaday said.
How ironic. Putting up barriers to protect vegetation and then burning up the same vegetation. This job could have been done in winter when things are wet. Duh.
How come the Democrats state there needs to be more fire breaks and old fashion off season burns and then don’t do it?
There has to be some rational here…. Could it be that they still have so many old fashioned out of date environmentalist that they refuse to do what they say they are now for?
Do as I say not as I do???????
This state really is in a long term mess.