At least 15 injured by wildfires scorching Southern California
LOS ANGELES – Multiple large wildfires burning across Southern California this week have prompted evacuation orders and have injured at least 15 people, including firefighters, according to officials.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County and secured FEMA funding to fight three major wildfires: the Bridge Fire right above the city of Pomona, the Line Fire threatening the Highland area and the Airport Fire in the Trabuco Canyon.
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Ten firefighters and two civilians have been injured by the Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties, officials said. The fire has burned more than 23,000 acres since its start Monday. Thick smoke has clouded the sky for residents, and at least six structures have been damaged in the fire.
Orange County Fire Authority reported that the fire was accidentally sparked by heavy equipment work near Riverside County Airport.
The Airport Fire is 5% contained, according to CAL Fire.
The Bridge Fire has now scorched more than 51,000 acres in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, according to a Friday update. More than 450 people are tackling the wildfire which is currently at 3% containment.
Evacuation orders have been issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, and forest officials report that buildings in the Wrightwood area have been impacted by the fire, including damage to power infrastructure.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday morning that deputies had arrested a man who they believe started the Line Fire in Highland. The suspect is accused of starting the fire in the area of Baseline Road and Aplin Street on Sept. 5. He's being held on $80,000 bond.
The Line Fire, which originated in Highland, California, on Sept. 5, has burned more than 37,000 acres and is 21% contained. More than 3,000 people have been assigned to the fire, which officials said is threatening more than 65,000 structures. CAL Fire reports the fire has destroyed one structure and damaged three others.
Three firefighters have been injured, according to Cal Fire.
One of two main power supply lines to Big Bear Valley had to be shut down, according to the agency. Newsom announced that the National Guard is mobilizing Blackhawk helicopters and two C-130 aircraft for water-dropping operations.
Original article source: At least 15 injured by wildfires scorching Southern California
