The Airport Fire, one of three large wildfires burning in southern California, has been spreading for three days. Timelapse footage from a weather station captured the rapid advancement of the flames in Orange and Riverside counties, as they spread through the Cleveland National Forest and up Santiago Peak. The blaze quickly advanced through a steep canyon, engulfing the area in flames.
The fire, which began on September 9, has burned around 22,376 acres and was reportedly started accidentally by Orange County Public Works crew using heavy equipment to move boulders near Trabuco Canyon. Two firefighters have been treated for heat-related injuries and a third for breathing difficulties related to the smoke. Two hikers were also rescued from a trail near where the fire began.
Thousands of residents in and around the Santa Ana Mountains in Orange and Riverside counties have evacuated or are preparing to evacuate as the fire continues to burn. Despite the fire’s spread across Santiago Peak, there have been no reported communication disruptions in the area. The cause of the fire has been classified as unintentional due to a spark from heavy equipment.
The widescale evacuation and ongoing efforts to contain the Airport Fire are being closely monitored as it continues to threaten communities in southern California.
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