Local News
See updates on 3 major Southern California wildfires – NBC Los Angeles
Containment lines were bolstered around three major Southern California wildfires over the weekend in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties before a rise this week in temperatures.
The Bridge, Airport and Line fires started during an extended stretch of extreme heat, but cooler temperatures helped firefighters gain ground over the past week. Warmer weather is in this week’s forecast.
Here are updates on the three wildfires.
Bridge Fire
The Bridge Fire has burned more than 54,800 acres in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties with containment at 71 percent. The fire started Sept. 8 in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument east of Los Angeles.
Eighty-one structures were destroyed with another 17 damaged, according to fire officials. Crews are cutting down dead trees and those weakened by flames, and putting out hot spots.
“Current fire conditions show limited heat sources, allowing resources to hold direct lines and complete indirect lines in critical areas,” officials said over the weekend. “Current weather observations include good humidity recovery over the fire footprint.”
Some evacuations and forest closures remained in effect this week. Road closures were in effect at the following areas.
- Big Pines Highway
- Big Rock Creek Road
- Largo Vista Road
- Mescal Creek Road
- Panorama Motorway
- State Route 39 at the base of San Gabriel Canyon
- Glendora Mountain Road north of Big Dalton Road
- Westbound state Route 2 at Flume Canyon Road
Five firefighters were injured. The cause remains under investigation.
Airport Fire
The Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties was 81-percent contained at 23,500 acres.
Fire officials said containment increased daily as weather conditions improved. The fire will be fully contained by lines of cleared vegetation by Sept. 24, according to estimates.
“Crews are mopping up and tying in all open line that remains on the perimeter,” fire officials said in a statement.
Some crews will camp on the fireline in the mountains as they access hot spots in rough terrain. Drone flights will help firefighters with infrared maps that show areas of high heat.
“We’re doing everything we can while it’s cooler to construct those fire lines, improving them and making sure they’re tested by the wind,” Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said. “They’re camping out there so it doesn’t take hours commuting back and forth because it’s inaccessible terrain.”
Highway 74 has reopened. The Cleveland National Forest has a temporary closure of the Trabuco Ranger District.
On Monday, Edison officials will use a helicopter to remove damaged power poles and lines and replace them.
The fire started at 1:21 p.m. on Sept. 9. It has destroyed 160 structures, damaged 34 others and resulted in 15 injuries, according to Cal Fire. Of the 15 injured, all but two were firefighters who suffered minor injuries, many of them heat- related.
On Thursday, eight firefighters were injured when a transport truck carrying an Orange County Fire Authority hand crew swerved and rolled over on on a freeway on the way back from the fire. Four crew members remain hospitalized in stable to critical condition while four others were treated and released, authorities said.
Line Fire
The Line Fire in the Santa Bernardino County mountains was 39,200 acres Monday with containment at 67 percent.
Four structures were damaged and one was destroyed by the fire, which started by arson Sept. 5 in the Highland area.
A San Bernardino National Forest closure order remained in effect. Highway 330 is still closed northbound from Highland Avenue to Live Oak.
People flying drones into the fire zone continued to be a problem for firefighters.
“There have been multiple drone incursions over the Line Fire area,” fire officials said in a statement. “Please be respectful of those fighting the fire and the community members who are impacted by fire. Never fly drones near wildfire. If you fly, we can’t.”
An arson suspect accused of starting the fire was expected in court Monday. The Norco man pleaded not guilty to starting a wildfire that forced the evacuation of thousands of homes.
Local News
Devastated family of woman killed by rock thrown through car windshield speaks out – NBC Los Angeles
The devastated family of Sarina Rodriguez who was killed after someone threw a rock through her car windshield is speaking out about the tragedy as the person responsible remains at large.
Rodriguez was driving with her boyfriend along Highway 138 near Highway 18 in Antelope Valley just after midnight on Oct. 8 when a large rock was thrown through her windshield, according to CHP. The rock struck and killed the 25-year-old driver.
“It happened right before I went into the turn. A car passed me never went into the turn, the rock was directly for the driver right above the cluster it broke the steering wheel ring,” recounted Franko Martinez, who was the passenger in the vehicle.
Martinez said he was able to steer the car to the shoulder but there was nothing he could do to help Rodriguez.
“All I can do is pray right now. It’s hard to sleep,” said Martinez.
CHP continues to investigate the tragedy and at least one other similar incident that happened two days before Rodriguez was killed, where a large rock was thrown at another car’s windshield.
“I didn’t get to say goodbye to her and I didn’t get to tell her how much I loved her because I do. I did. I always will,” said Sylvia Perez, sister to Rodriguez.
The heartbroken family asks anyone on the road that day who may have seen something to come forward to help keep other drivers safe and bring justice to Rodriguez.
“There is a killer on this road and we have to find this person,” said Drew Harrity, uncle to Rodriguez. “There was a whole life behind this story that was cut short and a promising future that she had. I can promise you if anyone out there met her they would love her too. That’s who she was.”
Local News
7-Eleven owners back Prop 36 with $1 million check following wave of robberies – NBC Los Angeles
7-Eleven owners, city officials and law enforcement rallied together Thursday to support Prop 36, after a string of brazen smash-and-grab robberies.
From Anaheim to Pico-Robertson, 7-Elevens across Southern California have been targeted by thieves. The rally for Prop 36 comes just days after a 7-Eleven was ransacked and two employees were assaulted in Hollywood.
Prop 36 aims to increase punishments for some theft and drug possession offenses.
The 7-Eleven franchise owner whose store hosted the press conference said passing Prop 36 will benefit not only business owners but also citizens.
“I’ve operated in this area for nearly 25 years and have seen the growth in crime rates firsthand,” said Franchisee Jawad Ursani. “We need Prop 36 to ensure that businesses can operate without fear of crime and that Californians feel safe in their communities.”
Over $2 million was raised by Franchisees and 7-Eleven, Inc. in support of the proposition. Franchisees made the most recent donation of $500,000 which was matched by 7-Eleven, Inc to show support to business owners and the communities they serve.
“Today’s event is a testament to the dedication of our Franchisees and the entire 7-Eleven family,” said Randy Quinn, Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations for 7-Eleven, Inc. “We cannot accept a status quo that allows crime to flourish. Together, we are taking a stand.”
Franchisees who have fallen victim to retail crime also spoke at the event about their experiences.
In a statement, 7-Eleven wrote they will continue to advocate for a safer environment for the community and business owners throughout California as the November election approaches.
Local News
Group of female skydivers break world record in Perris – NBC Los Angeles
A group of women, representing 21 countries, have set a world skydiving record in Southern California skies.
The women, aging from 21 to 70, have been practicing these unique, snowflake-like formations for around a year.
At speeds over 120 mph, they jumped from four airplanes flying at 16,500 ft.
They had 60 seconds to link hands and create the first formation, release and build their second formation before letting go and opening their parachutes.
Beyond record setting, the women said it’s about pushing boundaries and showing what is possible when women come together.
“We are all sisters,” a skydiver said. “And it was just amazing to see how we supported each other.”
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