In less than a week, three wildfires raging across southern California have consumed more than 100,000 acres, destroying homes and forcing both state and local officials to respond on a large scale. Firefighters are trying to contain the wildfires that continue to threaten neighborhoods within several counties.
Fires – including the Bridge Fire, the Airport Fire, and the Line Fire – have allegedly resulted in a state of emergency in places including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange County, Riverside and more. All available resources are diverted to the frontline troops battling the fires.
Strategizing against the Fires
About 6,000 members of the National Guard, law enforcement, and other personnel have rallied against the fires. A variety of firefighting helicopters and planes, including two C-130s of the National Guard, are being used to attack the region by water-bombing. More than 500 fire engines, 75 bulldozers, and 141 water tankers remain on the ground working endlessly to contain the fires.
In spite of these efforts being put forth, two of the three major fires are still sweeping through the state and continue to be a danger to lives and properties.
The Bridge Fire: The Most Destructive
The largest of the wildfires currently, is the Bridge Fire, which was lit in the Angeles National Forest, about 31 miles to the east of Los Angeles. Since it started, it’s made dramatic strides, burning an area of almost 48,000 acres in a matter of days. This fire is threatening communities within both Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties and has already claimed the Mountain High Ski Resort, with reports of its chairs being engulfed in fire.
33 single family dwellings in Wrightwood and Mt. Baldy, including the small mountain community, have been razed and an additional 2500 houses stand under threat since the fire is still raging. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
In numerous cases, “get-ready” orders have been given, and in others, people have already been ordered to evacuate and have lost their homes. Some explain that the fire moved so fast, it didn’t give them enough time to even think about what belongings they needed to grab.
Rescue Operations in Life-Threatening Situations
While the Bridge Fire rages on, other rescue missions are also in progress. In one such case, three people–an off-duty sheriff’s sergeant and two others–were surrounded by flames in a remote place close to Mount Baldy. Smoke caused by the inferno affected rescue attempts as helicopters could not get to them. Emergency crews are trying to get to the trapped people by car, however, due to the thick smoke and hazardous conditions, the mission has proven hard.
The Line Fire: Arson Suspects of the Blaze Are in Custody
Along with the Bridge Fire, officials are also managing the Line Fire, which has been raging in the eastern part of Los Angeles region since early September. On Wednesday, a report was released stating that damage had occurred to over 36,000 acres of land and containment efforts are at a paltry 18%. The fire is threatening more than 65,000 structures, including homes and businesses, and has serious evacuation orders in place.
The person suspected to have ignited the Line Fire has been arrested by the police department. The suspect is currently being jailed and is expected to face charges of arson with bail set at $80,000. The fire has already had casualties, injuring three firefighters during the process of smothering the flames.
Keeping the high winds and these very dry conditions in mind, the fire has been predicted to continue. Cal Fire officials have also stated that smoke generated from these other wild fires in this region could assist in slowing down the fire or even get off, enabling the blaze to develop faster. More than three thousand firefighters are fighting the fires as of this date, although the situation is still in favor of the inferno rather than the firefighters.
Airport Fire: Quickly Escalating Danger in Orange County and Riverside County
The Airport Fire in Orange County is already more than 22,000 acres and is spreading. 9,000 structures are currently in the path, and multiple people, including five firemen and two civilians, have been hurt.
Witnesses claim that the blaze began when public works crews began vegetation clearing for a fire prevention project in an area with dry brush growth. Quickly, the fire jumped through several communities like Robinson Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, and California Lake Elsinore that was hit previously by lava flows. Thousands of homes in these locations are under strict evacuation orders.
The Fight Against the Wildfires in California Hasn’t Stopped
On Wednesday, there were 16 active wildfires in California and over 600,000 acres of land are burned. So far this fire season, the state has experienced more than 6,000 wildfires that have devasted over 900,000 acres.
California’s wildfire season seems to be growing stronger year after year, due to historic droughts, strong winds, and elevating temperatures. Wildfire precipitation combined with seasoned dry vegetation has created the perfect recipe for forest fires with a high rate of spread and relentless control.
Avoiding Risks of Wildfire
For people situated within the fire regions, it’s helpful to keep a listening ear on the news as well as an eye on the horizon as wildfires can move fast and be unpredictable. Observe the following safety measures:
- Immediately observe the evacuation plans given. In case the authorities say leave–leave. In the case of a quick evacuation, lives can be saved.
- Have a kit ready for emergencies. Medications, food, animals, important papers, and clothes should all be packed in a portable bag.
- Use local channels to keep track of the situation. Use local channels or emergency alerts to receive quick notifications regarding the status of the fire.
- Get your house ready. Only if there is some time left, take out burning materials from your house and make sure that all the windows and doors are shut tight so that no burning embers are inside the house.
- Do not drive in to areas engulfed in fire. If flames have been noticed while driving, turn away and take another road.
Rehabilitation and Return to Normalcy
In light of increased fires, federal assistance has already been made available to supplement the cadre of the state’s engagement with firefighting. This aid will go a long way in reinforcing optimal recovery when the fires are put out.
Despite the dousing of flames, there will be very intense recovery measures that are expected to be taken. Residential houses, office premises, and social amenities will have to be constructed afresh, and the long lost equilibrium of life reduced by these fires will be restored too.
However, as the fights of these fires persist in California, the state government is still optimistic that the absolute maximum possible will be done to prevent loss of life and property to wildfires in the future. In this battle, the hands of firefighters and other persons in emergency services are indispensable as they risk their lives to control the raging wildfires.
