The Airport Fire, which has burned thousands of acres in Orange County, is now at 9% containment according to officials.
The Orange County Fire Authority issued an incident update Saturday that detailed the efforts to combat the blaze, which has burned more than 23,000 acres. According to the update, firefighters have made “significant strides” in establishing a containment line along Ortega Highway.
Initially reported on Monday afternoon, the Airport Fire has ravaged hills in Trabuco Canyon, leaving smoke over parts of the Inland Empire and Orange County for days. Officials said the blaze was ignited accidentally by a spark from heavy equipment used by public workers.
As of the 9 a.m. update, 107 structures have been destroyed and 13 people were reported injured. Of the injuries, 11 were firefighters and two were civilians. No additional details relating to the extent of the injuries was reported.
On Friday evening, the OC Health Care Agency issued a Declaration of Local Health Emergency. In the declaration, the agency cited contaminated debris from the destruction of structures.
Evacuation Map (burn area in orange – mandatory evacuations in red – evacuation warnings in yellow) via Cal Fire:
Evacuation Shelters can be found at RSM Bell Tower Community Center: 22232 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita; Temescal Canyon High School: 28755 El Toro Road, Lake Elsinore and Santiago High School: 1395 E Foothill Pkwy, Corona.
In Saturday’s update, authorities said favorable weather conditions over the weekend have led to fire crews being active in building firelines.