The Line, Bridge, and Airport fires have been active since Sept. 6, with the Bridge fire the largest fire currently blazing in California. The three wildfires have burned more than 180 square miles, equivalent to the size of Scottsdale, Arizona.
However, due to cooler weather and much more moisture in the air the last couple of weeks, firefighters have had a much easier time battling the blaze and have been able to maintain control of the wildfires.
The Bridge fire has burned almost 55,000 acres of land in Angeles National Forest with its boundary line just a few miles north of the University of La Verne. As of Thursday, the blaze was almost fully contained at 97%. All evacuation orders have been lifted from nearby communities.
The Line fire, the longest burning of the three major SoCal wildfires, has been active for the last three weeks in the mountains of San Bernardino. Apparently started by arson, the fire has consumed over 39,000 acres of land with containment as of Thursday at 83%.
San Bernardino County has issued a forest closure in the areas surrounding the fire, including San Gorgonio Wilderness. The closure includes all trails and roads within the zone. Los Angeles County has also issued a forest closure in areas surrounding the Bridge fire.
The third fire, the Airport fire in Orange and Riverside Counties, south of us, has been burning in Trabuco Canyon for over two weeks. To date it has consumed 24,000 acres of land, and it is also almost fully contained at 95% percent as of Thursday.
Highway 74 has re-opened, but commuters should expect traffic delays due to infrastructure repairs being made in that area.
Although these fires are close to full containment, fire season, and the danger of new fires continues.
If you spot smoke or a fire of any size, contact your local fire department to investigate or dial 911 if any smoke or flames are visible.
—Stephen Gilson Jr.
Stephen Gilson Jr. is a senior journalism major with a concentration in broadcast journalism. He is the arts editor for the Campus Times, a staff writer for La Verne Magazine and a staff photographer for both publications. He has previously been a staff writer, assistant editor and LV Life Editor for the Campus Times.
