If you have noticed a bad smell in the air lately, it’s due to three major wildfires currently burning across California: the Bridge Fire, the Airport Fire, and the Line Fire.
The Bridge Fire began on September 8 in the Angeles National Forest, northeast of Glendora, in the East Fork of San Gabriel Canyon. Within days, the blaze had exploded, scorching thousands of acres. By September 11, it had consumed 54,878 acres, though firefighters had managed to contain 79% of it. Evacuations have been ordered for areas from Highway 138 south to Lone Pine Canyon, including the entire community of Wrightwood and all residents along Mt. Baldy Road from the San Antonio Dam up to Mt. Baldy Resort.
Meanwhile, the Airport Fire, sparked by heavy equipment, began on September 9 in Trabuco Canyon. It quickly spread up the Santa Ana Mountains, reaching Riverside and Orange county. By the end of the week, it had destroyed tens of thousands of acres of land. The fire had burned 23,519 acres, with only 31% of it being contained. The fire has also destroyed around 120 homes and three businesses, prompting evacuations at Blue Jay Campground, Caspers Regional Park, and San Juan Springs.
The Line Fire, which began earlier on September 5 in San Bernardino County, has presented additional challenges for firefighters due to steep and rugged terrain, particularly in the Big Bear area. The fire has continued to push through dry vegetation, burning 39,026 acres with containment at 49%. Evacuations are in effect for areas east of State Route 330 to Summer Trail Place, north of Highland Avenue, and for communities including Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, Forest Falls, Mountain Home Village, and parts of Big Bear from the dam to Wildrose Lane and the south shoreline.
Students at San Marino High School have noticed something unusual in the atmosphere recently. “When I walked outside, it smelled like something was burning,” said Ray Shang, 10. Megan Lee, 11, added, “Oh boy, those fires scared me,” while Audrey Hail, 11, followed up by saying, “I thought I smelled barbecue outside.” The students’ remarks reflect the growing awareness of environmental changes affecting the area.
