Sep 08, 2024, 1:16 PM GMT
Line Fire explodes in size
The Line Fire in the Highland area exploded in size overnight, growing to 17,459 acres days after it started. Containment of the flames remains at 0%, according to Cal Fire.
Live updates: Air quality for most of SoCal impacted by smoke from 3 wildfires
Last updated: Thursday, September 12, 2024 10:58PM GMT
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.
Sep 08, 2024, 6:21 AM GMT
Newsom declares state of emergency in San Bernardino County
Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in San Bernardino County for the fire, and announced new federal grant money to help fight the blaze.
The emergency declaration allows the government to waive certain regulations, letting people impacted by the fire to gain quicker access to unemployment benefits, for example, or obtain records they lost such as marriage and birth certifies. It also waives certain regulations on hospitals and child care facilities.
The state has also obtained a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA, Newsom said. The grant allows local agencies to apply for reimbursement of up to 75% of their firefighting costs.
"I thank President Biden for his swift approval of support for the work of our firefighters and first responders battling this fire and protecting local communities," Newsom said. "It's critical that residents in the impacted areas remain vigilant and prepare to evacuate immediately if called for by local authorities."
Sep 08, 2024, 1:31 AM GMT
Evacuation orders expanded
The Line Fire near Highland is triggering evacuation orders as it spreads to more than 7,100 acres. As of Saturday evening, areas under evacuation orders included:
All of Running Springs
All of Arrow Bear Lake
The area east of Orchard Road to Cloverhill from Highland Ave north to the foothills in Highland
Sep 08, 2024, 1:13 AM GMT
Unhealthy air levels expected in IE amid Highland fire
Air quality levels near the Line Fire in Highland are approaching unhealthy levels as the blaze sends thick plumes of smoke into the air.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District says as of early Saturday evening, levels of pollutants are at "moderate" and "hazardous" but are forecast to reach "Very Unhealthy" at times close to the fire on Saturday and Sunday.
In a wider area of Southern California, "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" is also forecast at times for much of the South Coast Air Basin.
