Ortega Highway, September 11, 2024, 12 A.M. – A rapidly advancing brush fire, known as the Airport Fire, has ignited widespread concern as it extends into Riverside County. The blaze, which began around 1 p.m. Monday near Trabuco Canyon Road, has now engulfed approximately 19,000 acres. Residents in the vicinity, including parts of Lake Elsinore and surrounding areas, are facing mandatory evacuation orders and school closures due to the fire’s aggressive spread and deteriorating air quality.

The fire’s progress has led to the issuance of mandatory evacuation orders for areas north of the San Diego County line, east of the Orange County line, south of Lake Elsinore, and west of South Main Divide Road/Grand Avenue. Santiago High School in Corona has been set up as an evacuation center, with provisions for large animals at the Jurupa Valley Animal Shelter. An interactive map detailing evacuation zones is available online for residents.

As the flames continue to threaten residential areas, video footage from the scene indicates at least one structure has already been consumed by the fire. The Corona-Norco Unified School District has closed Wilson, Temescal Valley, and Todd elementary schools due to the fire’s proximity and resulting poor air quality. The Lake Elsinore Unified School District has also closed all schools, including before- and after-school activities, with no immediate plans for reopening.

The Airport Fire, initially reported to have burned 9,300 acres, saw significant expansion throughout the day, reaching 19,028 acres by evening. The fire has crossed into Riverside County, impacting the Santiago Peak area, which houses crucial broadcast towers. While the flames came dangerously close to these structures, early reports suggest minimal damage.

The fire’s spread has necessitated the closure of Ortega Highway between Grand Avenue and Nichols Institute. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for residents near Caspers Park, with voluntary evacuation warnings extended to several other areas including Rose Canyon Road, Trabuco Creek Road, and Cook’s Corner. Evacuation warnings are also in effect for Silverado and Modjeska canyons.

Officials emphasize the challenging terrain, which is steep and difficult to access, has led to increased reliance on aerial firefighting efforts. Despite the ongoing crisis, there have been no reports of serious injuries or significant structural damage.

The Orange County Fire Authority has indicated that the fire was accidentally ignited by a county work crew using heavy equipment near Trabuco Creek Road. The crew was performing maintenance involving boulders intended to replace barriers that restricted vegetation access.

As the situation evolves, residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to evacuation orders to ensure their safety.