A wildfire stretching out as far as 5,432 acres has engulfed parts of the hills of Orange County in Southern California. This outbreak, dubbed “Airport Fire”, has affected homes surrounding the Trabuco Canyon.
According to the Authorities, the wildfire had started on Monday along Trabuco Creek Road, near the Trabuco Flyers Club around 1:00 p.m. Orange County Fire Authority Deputy Chief TJ McGovern stated that,
“When initial crews (Firefighters) arrived on scene, they recorded a half-acre vegetation fire on both sides of the road and that there was a potential for a large, major incident right off the get go.” He continued, “Crews immediately requested multiple additional resources to help from outside of our county, to our neighboring counties and to our region.”
About 1000 personnel were sent to contain the inferno. However, even with their speedy response, the Airport fire continued to grow, expanding from its initial 7 acres to 5,432 acres within eight hours. Some roads, elementary schools, and Institutions have been closed since Monday evening.
Evacuation warnings have since been issued for residents near affected areas like Trabuco Creek Road, Trabuco Canyon Road, Rose Canyon Road, and Trabuco Oaks Drive. According to firefighters, one civilian was hospitalized after inhaling much of the smoke pouring down from the hills. Two firefighters also sustained heat-related injuries. All three are expected to recover soon.
McGovern has classified the Airport fire as “unintentional,” explaining that an Orange County Public Works crew had been using heavy equipment while working in the early hours of Monday.
“After placing a load of boulders, the operators began seeing smoke coming from the area of the loader’s basket. The operator and the supervisor used multiple fire extinguishers and the loaders to attempt to extinguish the fire while 911 was being called,” he said.
Evacuation centers, such as the reception shelter in Rancho Santa Margarita, have also been set up for residents from the affected areas.
