Line Fire in Southern California Reaches 5% Containment as National Guard Deployed

Firefighting teams in Southern California are making slow progress against the Line Fire, which has reached only 5% containment as of Monday night. In response to the growing crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed the California National Guard to assist in combating the blaze, which has put 38,002 structures at risk but has not caused any significant damage or casualties, aside from three injured firefighters.

The National Guard will provide support to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, with 80 troops divided into teams for traffic control in evacuated areas. Newsom emphasized the aggressive deployment of resources, noting the involvement of nearly 2,000 firefighters, 200 engines, and air support already on the ground.

Fire activity has been concentrated on the fire’s northern and eastern edges, with predictions of stronger winds potentially exacerbating the situation. Firefighters are focused on creating “control lines” in the rugged terrain to contain the fire, which ignited on September 5.

Meanwhile, the Airport Fire in Orange County has emerged as another significant challenge, having burned 8,510 acres by Tuesday morning, prompting the evacuation of 1,427 homes. This fire, which is currently 0% contained, was reportedly sparked unintentionally by public works crews engaged in fire prevention efforts. Two firefighters have been hospitalized due to heat-related injuries, while one civilian was treated for smoke inhalation.

Additionally, the Bridge Fire, which began on Sunday in Los Angeles County, has burned 2,996 acres and is also at 0% containment, leading to evacuation orders for nearby communities.