Aided by favorable weather conditions, firefighters continue to strengthen containment of three large wildfires in Southern California that have burned more than 117,000 acres, destroyed 242 structures and injured 24 people.
A late summer heat wave favored conditions for explosive growth, but cooler-than-usual temperatures and higher humidity in recent days have helped fire crews gain the upper hand on the wildfires, said Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
The Bridge Fire, which has burned more than 50,000 acres in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, remains the largest active wildfire in California. But the blaze, which started Sept. 8 in the Angeles National Forest, was 69% contained as of Sunday, according to a Cal Fire update.
Crews are continuing mopping up efforts on the southern flank of the fire, authorities said. Aircraft will use retardant and water to contain the remainder of the blaze.
“Interior smoke may be visible in areas of the fire; this is expected with the current warming and drying trend, and crews will be investigating the smoke and extinguishing isolated heat sources,” the Cal Fire update said.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Roads and trails in the Angeles National Forest affected by the Bridge Fire — including some areas near Mount Baldy and Wrightwood — will remain closed through Dec. 31, 2025, to “facilitate the recovery of natural resources and the landscape,” officials said.
The 39,232-acre Line Fire in San Bernardino County was 60 percent contained as of Sunday, according to Cal Fire. Three firefighters were injured shortly after the blaze started Sept. 5. At least one home in Running Springs was destroyed and three other buildings were damaged, officials said.
Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, of Norco, was arrested Sept. 10 in connection with the Line fire after traffic cameras and automatic license plate readers helped identify a white truck that eventually led them to Halstenberg, authorities said.
He is accused of starting several fires before starting the line fire, authorities said. He faces 11 counts of arson, including using incendiary devices to start fires, aggravated arson and causing serious bodily injury. The latter two crimes carry a combined prison sentence of 19 years to life in prison.
Halstenberg has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
After burning 23,519 acres in Orange and Riverside counties, the Airport Fire, which started Sept. 9, is now 74% contained. Authorities said in an update Sunday that “heat sources remain sparse around the perimeter of the fire” and that drones are being used to locate “hot spots in unforgiving terrain.”
An accidental spark from heavy equipment started the fire, authorities said.
