Assisted by favorable weather conditions, firefighters continue to increase containment of three major Southern California wildfires that have burned more than 117,000 acres, destroyed 242 structures and led to 24 injuries.
A late-summer heat wave fueled conditions for explosive growth, but cooler-than-usual temperatures and higher humidity in recent days have contributed to fire crews getting the upper hand on the wildfires, said Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
The Bridge fire, which has scorched more than 54,000 acres in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, remains the largest active fire in California. But the fire, which started Sept. 8 in the Angeles National Forest, was 69% contained as of Sunday, according to an update from Cal Fire.
Crews are continuing mop-up efforts on the fire’s south flank, authorities said. Aircraft will use retardant and water to contain the rest of the blaze.
“Interior smoke may be visible in areas of the fire; this is expected with the current warming and drying weather trend, and crews will investigate smoke and extinguish isolated heat sources,” the Cal Fire update said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Roads and trails in the Angeles National Forest affected by the Bridge fire — including some areas near Mt. Baldy and Wrightwood — will remain closed through Dec. 31, 2025, to “facilitate recovery of the natural resources and landscape,” officials said.
Containment of the 39,232-acre Line fire in San Bernardino County had grown to 60% as of Sunday, according to Cal Fire. Three firefighters were injured shortly after the fire started on Sept. 5. At least one home in Running Springs was destroyed and three other buildings were damaged, according to authorities.