Live updates: Air quality for most of SoCal impacted by smoke from 3 wildfires

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Last updated: Thursday, September 12, 2024 10:58PM GMT
ABC7 Eyewitness News

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Three wildfires burning in three Southern California counties are growing quickly as firefighters work to contain the blazes.

The Line Fire erupted last week and has burned more than 37,000 acres through rough mountain terrain in the Highland area of San Bernardino County. One person has been arrested for allegedly starting the fire.

The Airport Fire in Orange County has grown to over 23,412 acres after since it was accidentally sparked by county public works crews who were trying to move boulders in the area.

The Bridge Fire in the Angeles National Forest has charred more than 51,100 acres since it erupted Sunday. It has destroyed more than 30 homes in Mount Baldy and Wrightwood.

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Sep 12, 2024, 5:59 PM GMT

Air quality for most of SoCal impacted by wildfires

Even if you don't live near one of the wildfires burning across the Southland, the air you're breathing could be impacted.

Even if you don't live near one of the fires, the air you're breathing could be impacted.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) released a map to show just how far smoke from all three fires is stretching.

The red areas show the regions that could see potential direct smoke impact through the end of Thursday. As you can see, that's almost the entire Southern California area.

A smoke advisory is in effect until 11 p.m.

Another map from AQMD shows most of SoCal under the categories of moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups or unhealthy air quality.

If you don't feel well, officials advise that you stay inside and shut your doors.

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Sep 12, 2024, 6:39 PM GMT

Mountain High, Big Bear Mountain resorts intact as wildfires rage on

The Mountain High and Big Bear Mountain resorts are both intact, thanks to the hard work of firefighters.

The Mountain High Resort is almost completely intact, thanks to the hard work of firefighters. Only a couple of infrastructures were briefly damaged.

Just days ago, a fire was burning close by, dangerously threatening the property.

The resort says it's expecting to open on time for the upcoming season.

Big Bear Mountain resort is also intact. But because of the Line Fire burning in the area, it's closed until further notice.

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Sep 12, 2024, 1:17 PM GMT

Bridge, Line fires keep growing

The Bridge Fire burning in the Angeles National Forest has now scorched 51,167 acres, according to Cal Fire. Fire crews hope that cooler temperatures will help their efforts.

Meanwhile, the Line Fire in San Bernardino County grew slightly overnight to 37,207 acres. That blaze is 18% contained.

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Sep 12, 2024, 2:44 AM GMT

Newsom declares emergency for 4 SoCal counties impacted by fires

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Wednesday in four Southern California counties impacted by massive wildfires.

Newsom's proclamation applies to Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, battling the Bridge Fire, and Orange and Riverside counties for the Airport Fire.

Over the weekend he proclaimed an emergency for the Line Fire in San Bernardino County.

The state has also already obtained federal assistance for the Line, Bridge and Airport fires.

"California is deploying every available resource to combat these devastating fires, and we'll continue to work in lockstep with federal and local partners in this herculean effort," Newsom said. "We are deeply grateful to all the heroic firefighters and first responders on the ground working 24/7 to keep Californians safe."

A declaration of emergency helps the state mobilize resources more quickly, waive certain regulations to obtain equipment and services, and helps expedite assistance to victims of the fires. It also allows the government to mobilize the National Guard to assist when necessary.