Incident Update Airport Fire

Date:
09/15/2024
Time:
11:58 AM

Public Information Line: 714-628-7085

Public Information Email: 2024.airport@firenet.gov

Primary Media Line: 949-447-1627

Secondary Media Line: 949-447-1627

Incident Facts

Name
Airport Fire
Start Date/Time
2024-09-09
Incident Status
Active
Location
Trabuco Canyon and Rose Canyon, Trabuco Canyon
Type
Wildfire
Cause
Under Investigation
Counties
Orange, Riverside
Administration Unit
Riverside County Fire Department
Unified Command Agency(s)
Size
23,519
Containment
19%
Structures Threatened
20,780
Structures Destroyed
152
Structures Damaged
31
Civilian Injuries
2
Firefighter Injuries
12
Civilian Fatalities
Firefighter Fatalities

Current Situation

Situation Summary

The Airport fire remained within its existing footprint overnight. Firefighters have been able to access previously inaccessible areas around Trabuco Canyon Road and construct direct lines. In the canyon above Lake Elsinore, both direct and indirect lines have been built, and direct lines have also been constructed west towards El Cariso. Structure protection measures have been implemented at the Lazy W Ranch by adding sprinkler protection. Containment lines are being reinforced in various areas, including Bell Canyon, along Trabuco Canyon Road, and in the canyon above Lake Elsinore.
Damage Inspection Teams are currently inspecting structures along the Ortega corridor. This process is expected to take several days to complete. Yesterday, Riverside County announced changes to evacuation zones, moving some areas from orders to warnings.
While the weather has been favorable with cooler temperatures, drizzle, and light showers, Modjeska Peak remains dry, and there is a risk of surface fires above 4,000 feet. The smoldering vegetation at higher elevations still poses a threat due to its potential to roll downhill and ignite unburned vegetation.
The weather forecast for the next few days is favorable for firefighting efforts. Tonight, thick fog and high humidity are expected, which can help slow the spread of the fire. On Sunday and Monday, cooler temperatures and light rain are predicted, providing additional relief. The overall conditions should be conducive to containment efforts. The combination of high humidity, cool temperatures, and light rain is expected to significantly aid in controlling the fire.

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.

3D Map

Road Closures

Hard Road Closures

  • Trabuco Canyon Road and Trabuco Creek Road
  • El Toro Road and Live Oak Canyon Road
  • Ortega Highway at Nichols Institute

Soft Road Closures

  • Plano Trabuco Road at Joshua Drive
  • Plano Trabuco Road at Robinson Ranch Road
  • Modjeska Grade Road and Santiago Canyon Road 
  • Modjeska Canyon Road and Santiago Canyon Road
  • Silverado Canyon Road and Santiago Canyon Road

Evacuation Zones

Evacuation Information:

Evacuation Orders

Orange County:

  • Zones: ELC01, ORT01-B
  • Areas include: Caspers Regional Park, San Juan Springs, Blue Jay campground.

Riverside County:

  • Zones: RVC-1521, RVC-1622, RVC-1724-B, RVC-1725, RVC-1798, RVC-1800, RVC-1802, RVC-1865, RVC-1866, RVC-1933, RVC-1934, RVC-1999

Evacuation Warnings

Orange County:

  • Zones: CDC01, CDC02, MOD01, ORT01-A, RSM01, RSM02, RSM03, SIL01, TBU01
  • Areas include: Portions of Ortega Highway, Robinson Ranch HOA, Trabuco Highlands HOA, Trabuco Highland Apartment Complex, the East Side of Coto de Caza, Silverado Canyon, Modjeska Canyon, Rose Canyon Road, Trabuco Creek Road, Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Oaks Drive, Joplin Loop, Cook’s Corner, Dove Canyon, El Cariso.

Riverside County:

  • Zones: LSN-1524, LSN-1525, LSN-1526, LSN-1623, LSN-1624, LSN-1625, LSN-1626, LSN-1627, LSN-1799, LSN-1803, RVC-1050, RVC-1052, RVC-1153-A, RVC-1154, RVC-1155, RVC-1156, RVC-1157, RVC-1158, RVC-1159, RVC-1160, RVC-1161, RVC-1259, RVC-1260, RVC-1261, RVC-1262, RVC-1263, RVC-1265, RVC-1266, RVC-1267, RVC-1269, RVC-1395, RVC-1396, RVC-1397, RVC-1398, RVC-1399, RVC-1400, RVC-1401, RVC-1402, RVC-1404, RVC-1405, RVC-1522, RVC-1523, RVC-1724-A, RVC-1726, RVC-1728, RVC-1729, RVC-1801, RVC-1804, RVC-1806, RVC-1807, RVC-1808, RVC-1809, RVC-1810, RVC-1867, RVC-1868, RVC-1869, RVC-1870, RVC-1935, RVC-1936, RVC-2074, RVC-2142, RVC-2143

Evacuation Shelters

Orange County:

  • Care and reception shelter(s):

    • Foothill Ranch library located at 27002 Cabriole Way, Foothill Ranch, 92610 is now open. Small household pets can co-locate.

  • 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:                
    • OC Animal Care: 1630 Victory Rd., Tustin, CA

    • Orange County residents that need animal assistance can call (949)470-3045

          

Riverside County:

  • Care and reception shetlers:
    • Ortega High School located at 520 Chaney St., Lake Elsinore, Ca.
  • Animal shelters:
    • Jurupa Valley Animal Shelter: 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA
    • Riverside County residents needing assistance with large animal evacuations can call (951) 358-7387

Assigned Resources

Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow.

Engines
203
Water Tenders
15
Helicopters
8
Dozers
31
Hand Crews
36
Total Personnel
1941

Cooperating Agencies

Name Phone Address URL
CHP, Orange County Parks, California State Parks, Orange County Animal Control, CalOES, OC Public Works.