Horses that survived Airport Fire watered by Orange County firefighters

A group of five horses that managed to survive the Airport Fire in the rugged terrain of Deckert Canyon was brought water Thursday by crews with the Orange County Fire Authority.  

While much of the land around the ranch in El Cariso Village where the horses are kept was scorched, the horses were fortunately unharmed, though thirsty.  

In footage of the watering, the animals, who appear healthy and well-kept, are seen gathering around a large tub as a firefighter uses a fire hose to fill it with water.  

“The horses have been waiting patiently around here for water,” an OFCA public information officer is heard saying. 

The Airport Fire, which spans Orange and Riverside counties, has charred 23,453 acres and is only 5% contained, according to CAL FIRE’s most recent update at 8:30 p.m. 

It remains unclear how many structures have been destroyed, but fire officials said Thursday they believe it is in the dozens. Sky5 footage on Wednesday showed the rubble of several charred homes in the communities of El Cariso Village and Deckert Canyon. 

Ten firefighters were treated for injuries but are expected to be okay. 

Evacuation orders remain in place Thursday for dozens of zones in Riverside County, including areas north of the San Diego/Riverside County line, south of the Orange County line, east of the Orange County line, and west of South Main Divide/Grand Avenue, according to Caltrans. 

Three zones remain under an evacuation order in Orange County with evacuation warnings still in place for parts of both counties. 

On Wednesday afternoon, some evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings and others were lifted. The latest updates on evacuations and information about evacuation centers and road closures can be found on the Airport Fire incident website.