Local News
See updates on Bridge, Airport and Line wildfires – NBC Los Angeles
What to Know
- The Bridge Fire burning in LA and San Bernardino counties was nearly 55,000 acres and 97-percent contained.
- The Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties was at 23,500 acres with containment at 95 percent.
- The arson-related Line Fire grew to 39,200 acres in San Bernardino County with containment at 83 percent.
Containment neared 100 percent for two major Southern California wildfires in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties with isolated flare-ups reported for a third that started earlier in September.
The Bridge, Airport and Line fires ignited during one of the warmest weeks of the year, destroying and damaging homes and other buildings as they burned a combined 120,000-plus acres by late September. Cooler weather helped firefighters increase containment.
Scroll for updates on the three fires.
Bridge Fire: Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties
The Bridge Fire burning in two counties was nearly 55,000 acres and 97-percent contained Thursday after starting Sept. 8. The fire threatened 4,409 structures, destroyed 81 and damaged 17 others.
“This week’s hot, dry weather caused vegetation within the fire perimeter to flare up, leading to visible smoke in some areas of the fire yesterday (Tuesday),” fire officials said in a mid-week update. “It will likely do so again today as pockets of unburned fuel burn off. Firefighters will engage in mop-up efforts and investigate all smoke and extinguish isolated heat sources. The removal of hazardous trees continues in areas across the fire.”
The fire began near East Fork and Glendora Mountain roads and initially remained small, but grew in size at the end of an early September heat wave on Sept. 10, destroying dozens of structures as it marched into San Bernardino County.
It is the largest active fire in the state.
Road closures were in effect at the following locations:
- Eastbound Big Pines Highway at Largo Vista Road (residents only)
- State Route 2 at Flume Canyon Road westbound
- Big Rock Creek Road at Forest Service Road 4N55
- Mescal Creek Road at Mescal Canyon Road
- State Route 39 at the base of San Gabriel Canyon (residents only)
- Glendora Mountain Road north of Big Dalton Canyon Road
- Glendora Ridge Road from Mt. Baldy to Glendora Mountain Road
Airport Fire: Orange and Riverside counties
The Airport Fire was at 23,500 acres Thursday with containment at 95 percent.
Hot Shot firefighters were camping out in difficult terrain, minimizing the amount of time required to get teams into and out of the fire zone.
“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.
Earlier this week, a helicopter was used to remove and replace damaged powerlines.
The fire, which started at 1:21 p.m. on Sept. 9, 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 fighting the blaze, many of them heat- related.
On Sept. 19, eight firefighters were injured when a transport truck carrying an Orange County Fire Authority hand crew swerved and rolled over on an Irvine freewway as they returned from the fire. Four crew members remain hospitalized in stable to critical conditionfwhile four others were treated and released, authorities said.
Most evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted in Orange County. All evacuation orders and warnings in Riverside County were lifted
The following road closures were in effect in Orange County:
- Trabuco Canyon Road and Trabuco Creek Road
- El Toro Road and Live Oak Canyon Road
- Ortega Highway at Nichols Institute
Line Fire: San Bernardino County
The arson-related Line Fire started Sept. 5 and grew to 39,200 acres with containment Thursday at 83 percent.
“There was minimal fire activity across the Line Fire Wednesday, though there was still some smoldering and isolated flareups,” Cal Fire said. “Mostly clear skies prevailed across the fire area today. Thursday is expected to be a little warmer and drier and then there will be a slight cooling trend over the weekend before another warmup next week.”
Four structures were damaged and one was destroyed in the fire, which authorities said is a case of arson. A Norco man has pleaded not guilty to starting the 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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