California Wildfires Threaten Homes, Force Evacuations

Rich Meyr, 82, left, and Evelyn Kelley, 77, sit at an evacuation center for those in the path of regional wildfires, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in Reno, Nevada. The two were the first — and so far onl

Firefighters in California are battling three major wildfires in the mountains east of Los Angeles, with cooler weather providing some relief as they work to gain control. However, the fires have already destroyed dozens of homes and forced thousands of people to evacuate.

California is experiencing a significant increase in wildfire activity, with nearly three times as much acreage burned already compared to all of last year. The wildfires, fueled by a recent heatwave, have posed a threat to tens of thousands of homes and structures across Southern California.

While there have been no reported deaths, at least a dozen people, mostly firefighters, have been treated for injuries, primarily heat-related. The fires have moved rapidly, challenging evacuation efforts and surprising even seasoned fire officials.

Significant increase in wildfire activity compared to last year.

Three major wildfires in California mountains east of Los Angeles.

No reported deaths, but injuries, mostly heat-related, have occurred.

Governor Newsom deployed National Guard troops for assistance.

President Biden is closely monitoring the situation.

Thousands evacuated in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

Firefighters making progress in containing the Davis Fire near Reno, Nevada.

Wildfires have destroyed homes, structures, and caused displacement.

Challenges faced in rapid fire spread and evacuation efforts.

Ongoing threat of wildfires in California highlighted by recent events.

The three major blazes include:

• The Airport Fire in Orange County, burning over 35 square miles and 5% contained. Eight firefighters have been treated for injuries, and several homes have been lost.
• The Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest, 18% contained and having charred 57 square miles. Three firefighters have been injured, and the fire was caused by arson.
• The Bridge Fire east of Los Angeles, which grew rapidly to 78 square miles, destroyed at least 33 homes and six cabins, and forced 10,000 evacuations. The cause remains unknown.

Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed National Guard troops to assist with evacuations, and President Joe Biden is monitoring the situation closely.

In Riverside County, over 5,500 homes were under evacuation orders, affecting more than 19,000 residents. In San Bernardino County, around 65,600 homes and buildings were threatened by the Line Fire.

Further north, near Reno, Nevada, the Davis Fire forced thousands to evacuate, destroying one home and several structures. Despite challenges, firefighters have made progress in containing the blaze.

The wildfires have caused significant damage and displacement, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by wildfires in California.