CALIFORNIA — Follow here for updates on the wildfires burning around Southern California.

Thursday, December 10

8:54 a.m. — Firefighters put out Bond fire hot spots

 

 

8:15 a.m. — Airport fire in Riverside County now 90% contained

 

8 a.m. Bond fire in Orange County now 96% contained

 

 

Wednesday, December 9

9:25 a.m. — Airport fire in Riverside County 80% contained

 

 

5:45 a.m. (CNS) — Bond fire in OC 85% contained, evacuation warnings lifted

 A brush fire that has blackened 6,686 acres and destroyed 31 buildings since being triggered by a Silverado Canyon house fire last week was 85% contained Wednesday morning, and all evacuation warnings have been lifted.

"Today, gusty winds prevailed over the fire area ... firelines continue to hold and crews will patrol overnight in areas where strong winds could have the potential to spread the fire and threaten adjacent communities," fire officials said Tuesday night.

The National Weather Service's red-flag warning for extreme fire danger expired late Tuesday.

The fire's size was revised Tuesday morning to 6,686 acres, down from 7,375 acres, "due to more accurate mapping," officials said.

Tuesday, December 8

7:54 a.m. — Airport fire remains 1,087 acres, 50% contained

7:34 a.m. (CNS) — Bond fire at 6,686 acres, 75% contained

Nearly 1,200 personnel were assigned to the fire, along with 10 helicopters, three water tenders and seven dozers, according to Cal Fire and the Orange County Fire Authority.

 

5:30 a.m. (CNS) — Firefighters injured battling structure fire in Indio

Five firefighters and two civilians were injured in a structure fire in Indio Tuesday.

Firefighters responded to the 81100 block of Durango Drive at 2:23 a.m., according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

Three of the injured firefighters were taken to a hospital and two others were being evaluated on scene for non-life-threatening injuries. An update on the condition of the hospitalized firefighters was not immediately available, though at least one of them had a non-life-threatening injury, according to the department.

The civilians were evaluated on scene for minor injuries, the department said.

A knockdown was reported at 4:09 a.m. and the cause of the fire was under investigation.

 

Monday, December 7

6:44 p.m. — Firefighters continue to patrol and monitor Bond fire area

 

6:28 p.m. — Airport fire is 1,087 acres, 50% contained

 

6:25 p.m. — Bond fire is 7,375 acres, 70% contained

 

12:45 p.m. — Red Flag Warning in effect for Bond fire area

The fire, which erupted in Silverado Canyon last Thursday, remains at 7,375 acres and is 60% contained.

 

7:50 a.m. — Containment on Bond fire reaches 60%

 

5:40 a.m. — Bond fire remains at 7,375 acres with 55% containment

 

Sunday, December 6

7:48 p.m. — Bond fire is 7,375 acres, 55% contained

 

4:28 p.m. — Airport fire now at 1,087 acres, 40% contained

 

3:48 p.m. — All Bond fire evacuation order areas are now under evacuation warning

Effective 3:00 p.m. today, all evacuation order areas are now under evacuation warning. Only residents will be permitted in the area.

 

2:27 p.m. (CNS) — No-burn alert extended through monday in many parts of Southland

Residents in much of the South Coast Air Quality Management District are prohibited from indoor and outdoor wood burning through Monday due to a forecast of high air pollution in the area.

The mandatory wood-burning ban is in effect through 11:59 p.m. Monday for all those in the South Coast Air Basin, including Orange County and non- desert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The order does not apply to mountain communities above 3,000 feet in elevation, the Coachella Valley or the high desert.

 

1:35 p.m. — Red flag update

Forecast winds have trended stronger. Expect gusts of 35-60 mph. Isolated gusts around 70 mph are possible in the San Diego County Mountains.

 

10:52 a.m. — Some Bond fire evac orders in Modjeska Canyon area reduced to warnings

 

10:20 a.m. — Bond fire destroys 28 structures, damages 19 others

The 28 structures destroyed were not all homes, and another 19 structures were damaged, the Orange County Fire Authority reported.

 

7:30 a.m. — Bond fire containment grows to 50%

 

Saturday, December 5

7:10 p.m. — Bond fire in Silverado Canyon in Orange County is 7,375 acres and 45% contained

 

7 p.m. — Airport fire in Corona is now 25% contained

A wildfire that erupted on the north side of Corona Municipal Airport has grown to 1,000 acres and was 25% contained Saturday evening, but no homes or other structures were threatened as winds abated.

"It's looking really good around the airport," Corona Fire Department Battalion Chief Robert Peterson said in a briefing Friday. "We have aircraft to support our firefighters, who are progressing, working toward (full containment)."

Because most of the fire activity had slackened around the Corona (71) Freeway, which sustained damage along the roadway edges, mainly the guardrails, Cal Fire and Corona fire personnel decided it was safe to reopen.

About 300 personnel from multiple agencies were sent to the location, encountering flames in thick vegetation, burning at a moderate rate away from the airport.

Cal Fire air tankers and water-dropping helicopters have been rotating on and off the fire lines daily. 

The airport was shut down because of the firefighting activity, and a temporary flight restriction was imposed, covering a five-mile diameter around the airfield and up to 5,000 feet. 

 

4:42 p.m. — Red flag warning, fire weather watch in effect this weekend, into next week

9:22 a.m. — Community meeting called for 3 p.m.

Fire officials called a community meeting for 3 p.m. Saturday at Library of the Canyons, 7531 E. Santiago Canyon Road in Silverado, to update the public on the status of the fire. The meeting will be posted on Facebook.

A total of 1,588 firefighters were assigned to the blaze along with 11 helicopters, according to the OCFA.  Firefighters continued to mop up hot spots and improve containment lines on Friday, aided by diminished winds.

 

8:20 a.m. — Bond fire containment grows to 40%

 

6:30 a.m. (CNS) — Wildfire near Corona airport burns 1,000 acres, 20% contained

A wildfire that erupted on the north side of Corona Municipal Airport has grown to 1,000 acres and was 20% contained, but no homes or other structures were threatened as winds abated.

Because most of the fire activity had slackened around the Corona (71) Freeway, which sustained damage along the roadway edges, mainly the guardrails, Cal Fire and Corona fire personnel decided it was safe to reopen.

The southbound side closure was lifted at 11:10 a.m. Friday, and the northbound closure almost exactly an hour later. The corridor had been shut down between the Riverside (91) Freeway and Chino Hills.

The fire started shortly after 1 p.m. Wednesday within the Prado Reservoir, bordering Riverside and San Bernardino counties, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

About 300 personnel from multiple agencies were sent to the location, encountering flames in thick vegetation, burning at a moderate rate away from the airport.

Friday, December 4

8:05 p.m. — Bond fire is now 30% contained

The Bond fire has burned 7,375 acres. Firefighters and 11 helicopters continued to mop up hot spots and improve containment lines on Friday. 

 7:30 p.m. — Mandatory evacuations remain in place for some areas

Authories said Modjeska, Silverado, and Williams Canyons are still under a mandatory evacuation order. Earlier in the day, authorities lifter the evacuation order in the city of Lake Forest.

7:30 p.m. — Smoke advisory in Los Angeles and Orange counties through Saturday

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has extended its smoke advisory in Los Angeles and Orange counties through Saturday afternoon due to the Bond Fire burning near Foothill Ranch in Orange County and the Airport Fire near Corona.

South coastal Los Angeles, southeastern and south central Los Angeles County and the Pomona-Walnut and south San Gabriel valleys should expect unhealthy air quality. Burning wood is also prohibited through Saturday for non-desert portions of Los Angeles County and all of Orange County.

6:50 p.m. — Cerritos fire is now 100% contained

 

 

2:24 p.m. — OC Parks announces reopening of some parks near Bond fire

11:31 a.m. — Authorites reopen Corona Expressway near Airport fire

The southbound Corona (71) Expressway has been reopened, but northbound lanes remain closed in the area of that 750-acre blaze burning north of Corona Municipal Airport.

11:23 a.m. — Injured firefighters released from hospital

The two Cleveland National Forest firefighters injured Thursday while battling the Bond fire are doing OK and have been released from the hospital, authorities said.

11:09 a.m. — Evacuation orders lifted for Lake Forest

Authorities said all other areas will remain under evacuation warnings as winds are forecast through Saturday. 

9:21 a.m. — Airport fire in Riverside County is 750 acres, 15% contained

9:15 a.m. (CNS) — Cerritos fire in Riverside County has burned 200 acres, 35% contained

A brush fire burning in the unincorporated Nuevo area of Riverside County near Hemet was 35% contained Friday morning, and fire crews held it at 200 acres, as all evacuation warnings were lifted.

The non-injury fire dubbed the Cerritos fire was reported about 2 a.m. Thursday in the 23900 block of California Avenue, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

A reported 180 firefighters from several area fire departments were assigned to the firefight along with water-dropping aircraft.

No homes or structures were damaged.

Crews on Thursday battled red flag conditions, including wind gusts of up to 35 mph, but were able to keep the brusher from devouring additional acreage.

The first crews on scene reported about 10 acres of brush had burned and the fire was moving at a moderate rate of spread. Within an hour and a half, the fire had grown to 200 acres, the department said.

No evacuation orders or non-mandatory evacuation warnings were in effect as of Friday morning.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

9 a.m. — Bond fire still at 6,400 acres, 10% contained

5:50 a.m. (CNS) — Brush fire burning near Nuevo holding at 200 acres; 25% contained

A brush fire burning in the unincorporated Nuevo area of Riverside County near Hemet was 25% contained Friday morning, and fire crews held it at 200 acres.

The non-injury blaze was reported just after 2 a.m. Thursday in the 23900 block of California Avenue, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

A reported 180 firefighters were assigned to the fire along with water- dropping aircraft. Crews were battling red flag conditions, including wind gusts of up to 35 mph, as some west Hemet residents were ordered to evacuate.

5:20 a.m. — Mandatory evacuations remain in place for Bond fire

Thursday, December 3

8:35 p.m. — Bond fire downgraded to 6,400 acres burned

Fire officials initially believed the fire had burned 7,200 acres, but the fire authority conducted more accurate mapping Thursday evening and updated the size to 6,400 acres. The fire is 10% contained.

5:26 p.m. — Thomas fire contained

 

4:39 p.m. — Bond fire has burned 7,200 acres, 0% contained

 

2:52 p.m. — Evacuation order issued for Santa Ana river bottom 

Authorities issued an evacuation order for the Santa Ana river bottom in Riverside County, as a fire from a pallet yard spread, authorities said. Those who live or recreate in the river bottom were being told to move to higher ground.

 

2:48 p.m. —  Thomas fire has now burned 60 acres

 

2:42 p.m. — Temporary evacuation point closed, reopened elsewhere

The American Red Cross closed a temporary evacuation point at Santiago Community College, officials said in a news release. Another evacuation point at El Modena High School, 3920 E Spring Street, in Orange was open to provide assistance for people evacuated due to the Bond fire.

Residents are asked to stay in their vehicles and wait for assistance. Information, assistance and restrooms will be available. Due to the pandemic, fire victims are being advised to seek safety with family or friends or in a local hotel.

 

2:05 p.m. — Some OC schools shut down in-person lessons, move to online learning amid fire

Schools in Lake Forest have sent students home to study, part of a broader shut down of in-class lessons across southern Orange County.

Schools in Rancho Santa Margarita, Newport Beach, and Costa Mesa have shut down the in-person lessons that had been scheduled in favor of online learning. The decision comes as the air quality was deemed “very unhealthy” by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

The Bond Fire continues to spread with the Orange County Fire Authority reporting the blaze has reached 7,200 acres with no containment.

The Saddleback Valley Unified School District, which covers Lake Forest, closed Foothill Ranch, Portola Hills and Trobuco elementary schools.

A dozen other schools shifted students to home learning while the El Toro High School parking lot became an evacuation center for residents fleeing the fire.

 

1:57 p.m. — Firefighters injured while battling Bond fire

Two firefighters were injured while battling the Bond fire Thursday afternoon, authorities said. They were treated by paramedics and taken to a hospital.

 

1:35 p.m. — OC Animal Care establishes emergency animal shelters 

The following locations are open and accepting horses and smaller livestock:

  • Anaheim Equestrian Center, 1370 S. Sanderson Ave
  • OC Fair and Events Center, 88 Fair Drive                                                    

 

12:30 p.m. — List of mandatory and voluntary evacuation warnings

Authorities have issued mandatory evacuations for the following areas:

  • Black Star Canyon, Baker Canyon, Silverado Canyon, Williams Canyon, Modjeska Canyon, Portola Hills, and Foothill Ranch East and Foothill Ranch North

The following areas are under a voluntary evacuation warning:

  • Cowan Heights, Lemon Heights, Live Oak Canyon, Trabuco Canyon, Rose Canyon, Holy Jim Canyon, and Baker Ranch

 

12:22 p.m. — South Coast Air Quality Management District issues smoke advisory

The Bond and Airport fires have been sending black smoke and ash skyward, turning the air quality in much of Orange County to “very unhealthy.”

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory Thursday in response to the Bond and Airport fires. 

“The Bond fire is affecting air quality throughout Central Orange County in cities such as Newport Beach, Irvine, and Lake Forest with AQI (Air Quality Index) levels reaching the Very Unhealthy category in places. There are also widespread reports of ashfall throughout Orange County,” the report said.

The advisory suggests people avoid the smoke by remaining indoors, vacating the area, and avoiding vigorous physical activity. The report forecasts that winds from the north and east will blow smoke into north Orange County, Long Beach, and parts of Los Angeles.

— From Spectrum News 1's William D'Urso

 

12 p.m. — Bond fire grows to 7,200 acres, 0% containment

 

11:17 a.m. — A voluntary evacuation order issued for Orchard Hills as fire shifts direction

 

10:41 a.m. — Bond fire has burned 4,000 acres as firefighters battles flames by air and ground

 

10:33 a.m. — Anaheim hotels offering discounted rate to those displaced by fire

Anaheim hotels — including chains and independent hotels — have coordinated to offer discounted rates for people impacted by the Bond fire.

Tina Riley, director of sales and marketing for the Anaheim Hotel, said they wanted to help.

“We haven’t had a program in the past, as emergencies arise we try to rise to the occasion,” Riley said.

Rooms at the independent hotel run $109 and up, but the discounted rate will allow people displaced by the wildfire a $75 flat rate.

A list of 30 hotels participating in the program is available here.

— From Spectrum News 1's William D'Urso

 

9:45 a.m. — Newport Beach ready to send more fire resources if requested

The raging Bond fire continues to burn with zero percent containment affecting cities countywide. Newport Beach dispatched two fire engines to help battle the flames Wednesday night, and stands ready to send more.

The city’s fire chief, Jeff Boyles, notified city council members that the fire has burned 4,000 acres, and that area evacuations have impacted families of city employees. In his note, he recommended people stay indoors.

“To be clear, air quality in the overall Orange County area is deemed ‘acceptable’ according to some social media outlets,” Boyles wrote in the note. “However, the air quality in Newport Beach is currently ‘unhealthy’ as a result of the winds pushing large amounts of smoke and ash over our city.”

Boyles wrote that cities on the periphery of the fire, like Anaheim, have depleted their resources and may need more assistance.

“Our fire stations in Newport Beach are fully staffed and stand ready to send more equipment and personnel if requested,” Boyles wrote. “We have utilized off-duty personnel to staff where needed.”

— From Spectrum News 1's William D'Urso

 

9:37 a.m. — Mandatory evacuations will remain in place in Portola Hills and Foothill Ranch

 

8:50 a.m. — Red Cross opens temporary evacuation points to assist people fleeing fires

For those affected by the Bond fire, head to lot 2 of Santiago Canyon College at 8045 Chapman Ave. Those affected by the Cerritos fire, should head to Tahquitz High School at 4425 Titan Trail, and animals can be taken to the San Jacinto Valley Animal Shelter. 

 

 

8:46 a.m. — OC Parks announces closures due to Bond fire

 

8:34 a.m. — Power safety power shutoffs underway

Edison has temporarily shut off the power to 49,036 of its customers to prevent its equipment from becoming the source of ignition. Here's a breakdown per county:

  • Kern County     5,986 
  • Los Angeles County     8,510 
  • Orange County     1,605 
  • Riverside County     22,656 
  • San Bernardino County     2,973 
  • Tulare County     42 
  • Ventura County     7,264 

Don't have power? Report an outage on the Edison website.

 

7:58 a.m. — Saddleback Valley Unified School District announces school closures due to Bond fire

There will be no hybrid or distance learning classes for Foothill Ranch Elementary, Portola Hills Elementary, and Trabuco Elementary, the disctrict said. 

Santiago Canyon College will also be closed to all in-person student services.

 Newport-Mesa Unified School District will hold distance learning Thursday due to the fire.

SVUSD schools that will be in distance learning only due to fire: 

  • Del Lago Elementary
  • El Toro High School
  • Gates Elementary
  • Glen Yermo Elementary
  • La Madera Elementary
  • Lake Forest Elementary
  • Melinda Heights Elementary
  • Olivewood Elementary
  • Rancho Cañada Elementary
  • Santiago STEM Magnet Elementary
  • Serrano Intermediate
  • Trabuco Hills High School

 

7:55 a.m. — Bond fire acreage now at 3,650, no threat to city of Irvine

There are approximately 500 firefighters battling the flames from the Bond Fire, with helicopters expected to resume air operations this morning. Air quality in the area remains acceptable, however, officials recommend limiting outdoor exertions.

 

7:45 a.m. (CNS) — House fire sparks brush fire in Silverado Canyon, 3,600 acres burned

A wind-driven brush fire in Silverado Canyon sparked by a house fire exploded to 3,600 acres Thursday morning and was growing rapidly as mandatory and voluntary evacuations were ordered for residents in a large portion of Orange County.

Mandatory evacuations were in effect in the Modjeska, Silverado and Williams Canyon areas, Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills west of El Toro and north of the 241 Toll Road.

 

7:33 a.m. (CNS) — Brush fire burns 200 acres near Nuevo, 10% contained

A brush fire burning in the unincorporated Nuevo area of Riverside County near Hemet had charred 200 acres and was 10% contained early Thursday as firefighters battled red-flag conditions, including wind gusts of up to 35 mph, and an evacuation order was issued for some west Hemet residents.