Airport, Orange County

Airport, Orange County. Two miles northeast of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Grass, chaparral and brush. Minimal fire behavior with smoldering and creeping. Area, road and trail closures in effect.

September 24, 2024 at 8:46 AM

Transfer of command will occur this evening from Type 1 unified command to a Type 3 Incident Management Team that will be based out of the Cleveland National Forest. The incoming team is shadowing unified command today.

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.

September 21, 2024 at 9:16 AM

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. 

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 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.

September 19, 2024 at 10:34 AM

Fire managers describe progress on the Airport Fire as “very successful” yesterday and last night. Firefighters will continue to build on that success as numerous crews surround the perimeter connecting fire line, seeking out hot spots, removing unneeded equipment and start focusing on suppression repair of contingency lines.

Night crews extinguished several hot spots in the Modjeska and Santiago Peak areas where brush and duff continue to hold heat. Along the northeast line from Santiago Creek to the Modjeska Peak, crews will hold and improve lines today. Hot shot crews have now been able to reach remote, previously inaccessible areas along the southern fire line near Sugarloaf Mountain to reinforce the fire perimeter in that area. Repopulated areas near El Cariso, Decker Canyon and Long Canyon remain a primary focus. In an effort to ensure hot spots, snags and fire lines are secure, crews are walking grid lines through the fire area. During morning briefing, firefighters were told to “treat it as if it were your own backyard.”

Please note: A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect over the incident and the immediate area. Drones or other non-incident related aircraft are not permitted to operate in the area while the TFR is in effect. Flying a drone near a wildfire is dangerous and can cost lives. When unauthorized drones fly near wildfires, fire response agencies have to ground their aircraft to avoid the potential for midair collisions. Delaying airborne response poses a threat to firefighters on the ground, residents and property in nearby communities. Anyone who violates a TFR zone can be arrested and/or fined.

September 15, 2024 at 10:09 AM

Crews will continue to construct direct and indirect fireline, while scouting for additional opportunities for line construction. Crews will engage the fire directly when possible, using the current window of favorable weather, and improved fire behavior conditions to our advantage. The work of handcrews, and the arrival of additional handcrews, are critical to success during this advantageous window. Damage assessment will be performed as conditions allow near El Cariso.

Strong onshore flow will maintain a thick marine layer tonight and bring relative humidities (RH) near 90% over most of the fire below 3500. Below average temperatures and excellent RH recovery is expected as an area low pressure approaches California on Sunday and Monday. Mostly light southwesterly winds will prevail over the upper elevations and ridges while diurnal slope winds are expected over the lower elevation and drainages. Light showers or drizzle will develop overnight Sunday into Monday and bring near 0.10 of an inch of rain over the fire.

September 14, 2024 at 1:31 PM

Firefighters are making significant strides in establishing a containment line along the Ortega Highway towards Lakeland Village. The continued support from air operations is proving invaluable in aiding firefighters efforts on the ground. By strategically constructing both direct and indirect firelines, firefighters are creating a robust barrier against the fire’s spread. The influx of additional resources to the Airport Fire is a positive development, providing much-needed support to the firefighting efforts.

Taking advantage of favorable weather conditions, crews are actively building firelines and employing effective tactics. Hand crews are playing a vital role in this endeavor, and the arrival of reinforcements will further strengthen their capabilities. As conditions allow, damage assessments will continue to be conducted near El Cariso by the damage assessment teams. Yesterday, Riverside and Orange County officials announced additional changes to evacuation orders and warnings related to the fire.

These updates reflect the evolving situation on the ground as firefighters continue to make progress in containing the fire. It’s important for residents in the affected areas to stay informed about the latest evacuation information and to follow the guidance of local authorities.

While we appreciate the generosity of those who have offered food donations, we encourage you to consider supporting local charities that can better distribute aid to those affected by the fire. These organizations, such as food banks, shelters, and community centers, are equipped to provide essential supplies and services to those in need. By directing your donations to these reputable organizations, you can help ensure that your support is used effectively to assist those impacted by the fire.

September 14, 2024 at 9:55 AM

The Airport fire is active with running, backing and flanking fire. 

The fire within the perimeter was fairly widely scattered, with isolated fires were generally within fairly close proximity to the main perimeters, and small areas of intense fire were detected along the northern perimeter of the fire.

Cool onshore flow will bring a robust marine layer that will overspread the fire tonight and maintain good to excellent relative humidity (RH) recovery and below normal temperatures through the weekend. Drier air above 3500 was still in place over the region but is expected to moderate over the next few days. Mostly light diurnal winds will prevail over the lower elevations of the fire with SW winds over the higher elevations and more exposed ridges. An area of low pressure will approach the region on Sunday and bring a cooler weather and a chance of light precip or drizzle late Sunday and Monday. 

September 13, 2024 at 10:35 AM

Firefighters on the Airport Fire were able to increase containment to 8%. Experienced hotshot crews are actively constructing fire lines in rugged terrain, employing strategies that minimize risks to personnel. Hand crews are playing a vital role in making progress during favorable weather conditions Aerial support is also instrumental, with aircraft dropping fire retardant to create barriers and slow the fire’s spread, ensuring the safety of both firefighters and the public. 

On the ground, fire engines are diligently patrolling the fire’s perimeter, identifying opportunities for direct attack. In certain areas, such as Lake Elsinore, Decker Canyon Road, and Lakeland Village, firefighters have achieved notable success in increasing containment through mop-up efforts. The fire did slop over near the Harding Truck Trail yesterday and overnight access had been hindered by the challenging terrain; day shift will continue to work direct in that area due to it being safer to engage in the daytime hours.  

We are aware that multiple structures have been either damaged or destroyed across the fire. Damage assessment teams are assessing the affected areas to determine the extent. Additional information will be provided as they become available.  

Weather conditions are expected to remain favorable for firefighting efforts, with a thickening marine layer, mild temperatures, high humidity, and southwest winds. However, there is a risk of smoke and fog forming in lower drainages in the afternoon, potentially impacting air quality and visibility. 

Firefighter’s priorities are to minimize fire impacts by constructing line directly on the fires edge when safe to do so, and to confine the fire to the smallest possible footprint. 

September 12, 2024 at 6:48 AM

The fire has grown significantly throughout the day, moving southeast towards the Ortega Highway and into the Riverside County area. Firefighters aggressively attacked from both air and ground.

Heavy fire activity in the communities of the Ortega Highway has impacted structures, and damage assessment teams will be deployed today. A change in the weather overnight brought a slight recovery, slowing the fire’s growth into the morning hours.

Crews will continue to work on all three branches with the objective of perimeter control and structure protection.

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.

September 11, 2024 at 7:50 AM

The fire continues to spread with the southeastern fronts showing the most growth. The fire made several significant runs at the Santiago Peak communications array this morning. The fire has crossed Ortega Highway and is actively impinging upon structures in the area. As of this posting, it is unknown how many, or to what extent.

Over 629 firefighters on the ground, along with helicopters and airtankers, continue to engage the fire on all sides to limit the lateral spread. Additional resources are in neighborhoods and communities, providing defense of residential and commercial structures.

Additional firefighting resource requests are being made to our partner agencies around the state. However, resource availability is strained due to the other active fires in the Southern California area.

Evacuation Orders

An immediate threat to life. This is an order by law enforcement to leave immediately. The area is lawfully closed to public access.

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-1622, RVC-1724, RVC-1726, RVC-1728, RVC-1729, RVC-1800, RVC-1801, RVC-1804, RVC-1806, RVC-1807, RVC-1808, RVC-1809, RVC-1810, RVC-1867, RVC-1868, RVC-1870, RVC-1936, RVC-1521, RVC-1725, RVC-1798, RVC-1865, RVC-1866, RVC-1933, RVC-1934, RVC-1935, RVC-1999, RVC-2074, RVC-2142, RVC-2143, RVC-1802, RVC-2000, RVC-2075, 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

A potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate and those with pets and livestock should leave immediately.

Evacuation Warnings have been issued for the following zones:

Orange County:

• Zones: CDC01, CDC02, MOD01, RSM01, RSM02, SIL01, TBU01

Riverside County:

• Zones: RVC-2076, RVC-2145, RVC-2147, RVC-2245, RVC-2077, RVC-2146, RVC-2244, RVC-1265, RVC-1269, RVC-1396, RVC-1398, RVC-1400, RVC-1402, RVC-1405, RVC-1523, RVC-1267, RVC-1395, RVC-1397, RVC-1399, RVC-1401, RVC-1404, RVC-1522, RVC-1153-A

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
•   ANIMAL SERVICES:
  • Ralph’s Supermarket Parking Lot: 31841 Santa Margarita Parkway;  RSM, CA                           
  • OC Animal Care: 1630 Victory Road;  Tustin, CA    

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)