Orange County airport fire reaches 2,000 acres, evacuations ordered

A brush fire erupted on Monday afternoon in the hills of Orange County, Southern California, rapidly expanding to nearly 2,000 acres and prompting evacuation orders for nearby communities. The Airport fire, which began around 1:30 p.m. near an airport for remote-controlled model airplanes, led to evacuations in parts of Trabuco Canyon and recommended evacuations for surrounding neighborhoods.

The fire broke out during a prolonged heat wave, pushing temperatures in the region into triple digits. This southern California area has experienced above-normal temperatures for early September, with a high of 98 degrees reported in Trabuco Canyon. Wind speeds were recorded at 15 miles per hour.

Alarming Heat and Vulnerable Structures

The heatwave and dry conditions have made the area more susceptible to wildfires. Notably, a fire in the San Bernardino Mountains has swelled to threaten more than 33,000 structures. Despite efforts, this fire is only 5 percent contained, further exacerbating the already tense situation in the region.

The rapid spread of the Airport fire and its impact on nearby communities highlights the ongoing threat of wildfires in California. The evacuation orders and the alarming heatwave serve as a stark reminder of the hazards posed by these natural disasters.