Wildfires burn out of control in Southern California and more evacuations ordered (2024)

AP

Apocalyptic-looking plumes of smoke filled skies east of Los Angeles as firefighters battled three major wildfires that erupted amid a blistering heat wave

  • By EUGENE GARCIA and OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ - Associated Press
  • Updated
  • 0

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Aidan Thomas wears a Smokey Bear t-shirt as he watches smoke from the Airport Fire rise behind Meander Lane in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

  • Jeff Gritchen - member image share, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Smoke from the Airport Fire rises behind Meander Lane in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

  • Jeff Gritchen - member image share, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighters battle the Airport Fire along Trabuco Creek Road in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

  • Jeff Gritchen - member image share, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighters stage under a plume of smoke set by the Line Fire, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, near Angelus Oaks, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Line Fire burns in the mountains Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, near Forest Falls, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Members of the Mill Creek Hotshots monitor the Line Fire Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, near Angelus Oaks, Calif.

  • Gregory Bull - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A plume of smoke from the Line Fire is seen Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, outside of Forest Falls, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Residents watch as firefighters mop up at a home destroyed by the Boyles fire in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.

  • Noah Berger - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighter Jonathan Lievanos extinguishes hot spots at a home destroyed by the Boyles fire in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.

  • Noah Berger - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A firefighter passes a home destroyed by the Boyles fire in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.

  • Noah Berger - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighter Jonathan Lievanos extinguishes hot spots at a home destroyed by the Boyles fire in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.

  • Noah Berger - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighter Nolan Graham sprays water on a garage scorched by the Boyles fire in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.

  • Noah Berger - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An airplane drops retardant on the Airport Fire in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

  • Jeff Gritchen - member image share, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A contract firefighter from Colorado Springs, Colo., douses water on a damaged structure during the Boyles fire in Clearlake, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.

  • Stephen Lam - member image share, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A Cal Fire Sikorsky S70i Firehawk helicopter performs a water drop on a hot spot during the Boyles fire in Clearlake, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.

  • Stephen Lam - member image share, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Gaudencio Ortiz douses water on a destroyed structure adjacent to his friend's home during the Boyles fire in Clearlake, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.

  • Stephen Lam - member image share, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighter Nolan Graham sprays water around a scorched garage as the Boyles fire burns in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.

  • Noah Berger - ugcr, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Firefighters battle the Boyles fire in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.

  • Noah Berger - ugcr, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighter Gus Laws extinguishes flames on a home as the Boyles fire burns in Clearlake, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.

  • Noah Berger - ugcr, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighters monitor the advancing Line Fire in Angelus Oaks, Calif., Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighters work against the advancing Line Fire in Running Springs, Calif., Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Smoke from the advancing Line Fire rises above a ridge in Angelus Oaks, Calif., Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A man watches flames from the Airport Fire as it envelops a hill behind homes Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Trabuco Canyon, Calif.

  • Gregory Bull - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighting hand crews cut lines against the advancing Line Fire in Running Springs, Calif., Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Orange County Sheriff's officer escorts a man on a scooter out of a closed area as the Airport Fire burns, behind, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Trabuco Canyon, Calif.

  • Gregory Bull - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS

People watch from a hilltop under a layer of smoke from the Airport Fire as the sun sets, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Trabuco Canyon, Calif.

  • Gregory Bull - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Smoke from the Airport Fire billows over a mountain as the sun sets Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, near Trabuco Canyon, Calif.

  • Gregory Bull - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighters monitor the advancing Line Fire in Angelus Oaks, Calif., Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A plum of smoke created by the Airport Fire rises over a mountain top Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in a view from Irvine, Calif.

  • Eugene Garcia - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An airplane drops fire retardant on the Airport Fire near Porter Ranch in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

  • Paul Bersebach - member image share, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Smoke rises from the Airport Fire as Cizar Moon works out at the driving range at Eagle Glen Golf Club in Corona, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

  • Jeff Gritchen - member image share, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Ken Motonishi walks his dogs as the Airport Fire burns near Porter Ranch in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

  • Paul Bersebach - member image share, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Smoke from the Airport Fire fills the air Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Airport Fire crests over a structure Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Airport Fire burns on a mountain top Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A plume of smoke created by the Airport Fire rises over motorists along I-15 Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cerrito, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A plume of smoke created by the Airport Fire is seen on a mountain top Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Temescal Valley, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A plume of smoke created by the Airport Fire is seen on a mountain top Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Temescal Valley, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A plum of smoke created by the Airport Fire rises over a group playing soccer Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in a view from Irvine, Calif.

  • Eugene Garcia - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Smoke from the Airport Fire fills the airs over over Highway 74 Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, near Lake Elsinore, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Smoke from the Airport Fire fills the air Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Smoke from the Airport Fire fills the air Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Airport Fire burns on a mountain top Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Airport Fire burns on a mountain top Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A firefighter watches smoke from the Airport Fire as it advances Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighters monitor the Airport Fire as it advances Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighters monitor the Airport Fire as it advances Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighters monitor the Airport Fire as it advances Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighters monitor the Airport Fire as it advances Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A firefighter crosses a road as the Airport Fire advances Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Emergency personnel line up along a road as the Airport Fire advances Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighters monitor the Airport Fire as it advances Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighters monitor the Airport Fire as it advances Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Airport Fire crests over a mailbox Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighters monitor the Airport Fire as it advances Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Crews monitor the Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Airport Fire engulfs a structure Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A helicopter is silhouetted by smoke from the Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firefighters monitor the Airport Fire from a ridge near Porter Ranch in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

  • Paul Bersebach - member image share, ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Airport Fire burns over a structure Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Airport Fire burns a car and structure Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A vehicle burns from the Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A destroyed car sits as structures burn after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A structure burns after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Mailboxes are still standing after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Charred vehicles sit on a property after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A firefighter sprays a hose to a smoldering property while battling the Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A firefighter hoses down a vehicle after the Airport Fire swept through Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Eric Thayer - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A firefighter battles the Airport Fire, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Etienne Laurent - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A fire engine is driven past a fire-engulfed structure as crews battle the Airport Fire Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Etienne Laurent - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Airport Fire surround a city limits sign Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Etienne Laurent - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A person moves horses into a trailer as the Airport Fire closes in Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif.

  • Etienne Laurent - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Wildfires burn out of control in Southern California and more evacuations ordered (2024)

FAQs

What winds occur in Southern California and can help spread wildfires? ›

Santa Ana Winds occur when air from a region of high pressure over the dry, desert region of the southwestern U.S. flows westward towards low pressure located off the California coast. This creates dry winds that flow east to west through the mountain passages in Southern California.

Find Out More ›
What wildfire risk factors led to California's largest recorded wildfire megafires in a warming world? ›

High temperatures, low relative humidity, and daytime southerly winds were all highly correlated with extreme rates of modeled spread.

Learn More ›
What makes wildfires destructive in California? ›

In Southern California, wind velocity on the day of the fire ignition was the top factor, which is consistent with previous assumptions that wind-driven fires tend to be most destructive and most of the destruction occurs within the first 24 h.

Keep Reading ›
How might a warmer climate and an increase in the severity of California's boom and bust precipitation cycle exacerbate its vulnerability to wildfires? ›

Increasing severe heat and drought due to climate change can fuel wildfires. Hotter temperatures evaporate more moisture from soil and vegetation, drying out trees, shrubs and grasses and turning leaf litter and fallen branches into kindling.

Get More Info Here ›
Why is Southern California prone to wildfires? ›

Geographically, California has large tracts of forest and this is similar to areas like northern British Columbia and parts of Alberta. It also has a dry season that increases the risk of fire spreading uncontrollably.

Learn More ›
Why is it so windy in Southern California? ›

As air moves from the Great Basin westward toward California, where pressure is lower (air flows from high to low pressure), it gains speed as it whips through mountain valleys and passes. The resulting airflow can reach speeds upwards of 30 mph, and gusts of more than twice this speed.

Learn More ›
What are the 3 biggest wildfires in California? ›

Largest wildfires in California history. Bar chart showing the largest wildfires in California history, measured by acres burned, from 1932 to 2024. The August Complex fire in 2020 was the largest, burning over 1 million acres, followed by the Dixie fire in 2021 and the Mendocino Complex fire in 2018.

Discover More Details ›
What are 90% of wildfires caused by? ›

Humans cause nearly 90% of wildfires in the United states1 via discarded cigarettes, unattended campfires, burning debris, or through equipment malfunctions. Although less common, wildfires can also occur though non-human phenomena, such as lightning strikes and volcanic eruptions.

Find Out More ›
Who is most affected by the California wildfires? ›

Wildfire smoke disproportionately affects California's Indigenous communities, new research shows. Using a new method to study wildfire-related particulate matter and air quality, researchers propose a way to study the long-term health effects of what are often considered short-term hazards.

Know More ›
Why are California fires so bad? ›

High heat, winds and drought, leaving bone-dry fuels. The growing population has created extensive “urban interface” conditions, where homes are embedded in forested areas. This both makes fires more likely and more costly where homes are destroyed.

Tell Me More ›

What is the number one cause of fires in California? ›

By the numbers: About 86% of wildfires in California between 1992 and 2020 were spurred by human activity, burning 63 acres on average, U.S. Forest Service analysis of wildfire data found. Meanwhile, Cal Fire officials say 95% of fires are human-caused currently.

Discover More Details ›
How do wildfires start without humans? ›

Though overwhelmingly caused by humans, wildland fires can be naturally occurring. These causes can vary depending on a particular region's climate, vegetation and topography. Natural causes of fires include lightning strikes, volcanic eruptions and fires being ignited by the sun's heat.

Explore More ›
What will California look like in 2050? ›

The current best available science predicts that the state's coastline could experience between 1.1–1.9 feet of sea-level rise by 2050 (with a low-probability, but high impact extreme of 2.7 feet) and between 2.4–6.9 feet by 2100 (with a low-probability, but high impact extreme of 10.2 feet).

Discover More Details ›
Is California getting hotter? ›

Climate change is making heat waves more frequent and severe

Greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels also play a role, not only by fueling higher air temperatures but also by warming ocean water. In 2020, Los Angeles recorded its all-time hottest temperature, 121 degrees, in Woodland Hills.

Continue Reading ›
Does rain put out wildfires? ›

However, the effectiveness of rain in extinguishing a fire depends on various factors, such as the intensity of the fire, the type of vegetation, and the duration and amount of rainfall. While rain can be beneficial, it may not completely extinguish a large or intense forest fire on its own.

Keep Reading ›
What are the Southern California winds called? ›

The Santa Ana winds, also sometimes called the devil winds, are strong, extremely dry downslope winds that originate inland and affect coastal Southern California and northern Baja California. They originate from cool, dry high-pressure air masses in the Great Basin.

Continue Reading ›
What are the prevailing winds in Southern California? ›

Sea breezes from the west and northwesterly direction are the most common and consistent winds in Southern California. They are the trade winds, which blow off the Pacific Ocean as result of high pressure circulating off shore. They usually begin to blow in the late morning hours and increase into the late afternoon.

Get More Info Here ›
Which type of winds exacerbate the destructive wildfires in Southern California? ›

Downslope winds, known in Southern California as Santa Ana winds, play a major role in wildfire activity and impact the region's weather, climate, and environment in a variety of ways.

See Details ›
What wind causes wildfires? ›

Strong winds can also push embers downhill toward new fuel, creating new fires. A great example of extreme wildfire speed is the Thomas Fire. In 2017, this California wildfire spread so fast that it traveled at a rate equivalent to a football field every second.

Read On ›
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