Orange County Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong also issued an emergency declaration towards the end of this week for the fire at the Airport as workers continue to make progress in the fight against the flames. The emergency declaration will help keep state funds available to help with the cost of fighting the fire, which has burned 23,519 hectares and was 51% contained as of Friday.
“We’re doing everything we can while it’s cool to build those fire lines, upgrade them and make sure they’re air-tested,” said Capt. Steve Concialdi of the Orange County Fire Authority.
Fire officials “went in guns blazing” recently to camp out of reach of the fire, Concialdi said.
“They set up camp there so it doesn’t take many hours to go there and back because it’s an inaccessible area,” said Concialdi.
Authorities are asking drone users to avoid the area, Concialdi said. Drones force planes to land to avoid collisions, Concialdi said.
On Monday, Edison officials will use a helicopter to remove damaged poles and power lines and replace them, which will force traffic closures on Ortega Highway, Concialdi said.
If anyone sees a downed power line they’re advised to treat it as if it’s live because generators and the sun can re-energize the downed line, Concialdi said.
Orange County officials earlier this week launched a website to help residents and opened a center at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, where people affected by the Airport fire can get help and information about available resources.
The service center at 28000 Marguerite Parkway is located on the second floor of the college lounge and will be open from 3 to 9 pm Friday and 9 am to 2 pm Saturday. The website is at ocgov.com/recovery.
Firefighters were continuing to fight the huge fire at the Airport in the areas of Orange and Riverside, holding the spread and growth of the fire that started more than a week ago.
The fire destroyed 160 buildings and damaged 34 others.
Official reports are beginning to come into the county regarding the cause of the fire. Officials said it started when Orange County Public Works crews were removing rocks.
Mikhail Trubchik, 40, said his San Juan Capistrano home was destroyed in the fire and filed for $2.3 million. He said the fire destroyed his house, a guest house and a five-car garage.
Fred and Diane Neubauer of Trabuco Canyon submitted a claim of $1,043.75 for hotel expenses when they were evacuated from the area.
Two law firms have also sent letters to the district about possible objections requesting the preservation of evidence.
Cooler temperatures helped firefighters make progress on the blaze Tuesday and Wednesday. Water drops from a helicopter in Santiago Park helped put out the flames there. Crews were working to shore up the area as they expect warmer temperatures and drier weather in the coming days.
Firefighters are finding the line of fire between Modjeska and Santiago Peaks pesky because of its steep, winding terrain, officials said.
The reopening of Ortega Highway has led to heavy traffic, so firefighters have asked drivers to be cautious of fire crews in the area.
Officials said crews are having “great success in increasing supplies” in areas such as Lake Elsinore, Decker Canyon Road and Lakeland Village.
Multiple evacuation orders and warnings were lifted in Orange County, with a large number still in effect in Riverside County.
Officials said 15 people were injured, with all but two firefighters suffering minor injuries during the fire, most of them heat-related. On Thursday night, more combat-related injuries occurred when six Santiago firefighters from the Orange County Fire Authority were hospitalized after their vehicle crashed on State Route 241 when they returned to fight the airport fire, officials said.
The Airport fire started around 1 pm on Sept. 9 near Trabuco Canyon Road in the area of the remote control plane, OCFA Capt. Sean Doran said. Fire officials estimate that the fire will be completely contained by cleared vegetation streams by Sept. 24.
A further 1,988 personnel were involved in the fire fight, including 73 crews, 80 engines, 25 dozers, 34 water tenders and 17 helicopters.
The Airport Fire is one of three major wildfires burning in southern California. As of Friday, the Line fire had burned 39,232 acres in San Bernardino County and was 52% contained, while the Bridge fire in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties had burned 54,795 acres and was 53% contained.
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