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.

Sep 10, 2024, 1:00 PM GMT

Line Fire grows to more than 26,000 acres

The massive fire has grown larger in size, burning 26,426 acres of mostly rough mountain terrain in San Bernardino County. Fire crews did not increase the containment of the flames overnight.

Sep 10, 2024, 11:49 AM GMT

California National Guard activated

The California National Guard was activated to support the ongoing response to the Line Fire in San Bernardino County, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced.

The Guard will deploy a slew of resources, including four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for water-dropping operations and hand crews.

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Sep 09, 2024, 11:41 PM GMT

Big Bear Valley under evacuation warning due to Line Fire

Big Bear Valley is under an evacuation warning due to the Line Fire.

City officials say those planning to leave the mountain from Big Bear should use State Route 18 toward Lucerne Valley.

Sep 10, 2024, 12:01 AM GMT

'Unhealthy' air quality forces some schools near Line Fire to close

Smoke and ash from the Line Fire caused the air quality to plummet to unhealthy levels, prompting both Redlands and Yuciapia unified school districts to close Monday.

Smoke and ash from the Line Fire caused the air quality to plummet to unhealthy levels, prompting Redlands and Yucaipa unified school districts to close Monday.

While Victoria Elementary School was closed, just four miles away Bing Wong Elementary in the San Bernardino City Unified School District remained in session. When outside, students wore masks as they went between classes.

The school district said in a notice to parents, "we will maintain protocols for inclement weather due to the heat and outdoor air quality, therefore, students will remain indoors ...

Outside sporting activities such as practice and competitions are being canceled as well. "

Dr. Laren Tan, a pulmonologist with Loma Linda University Medical Center is advising his patients and sensitive groups to remain indoors.

"The best way to stay safe indoors is one, turning on your air conditioning; two just having HEPA filters of some sort to filter out all these particulates that are floating around and definitely for children we want to keep them inside," Tan said.