9 Dramatic Photos Show Massive Wildfire Continuing To Choke SoCal

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Wildfires continued burning Tuesday, forcing evacuations and road closures across Southern California. The blazes have also sent smoke across the region, triggering alerts about unhealthful air quality across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

The largest blaze, the Line Fire in San Bernardino County, was mapped at 26,426 acres with 5% containment Tuesday morning, and crews expect it will take many weeks before full containment is reached. See the Sept. 10, 2024, update for the Line Fire here.

The fire, which broke out at approximately 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5 near Base Line Road and Aplin Street in Highland, has left three firefighters injured and forced evacuation orders and warnings, covering popular Southern California mountain resort communities such as Big Bear, Running Springs and Angelus Oaks. Several roads leading up to those destinations are closed due to the fire.

An update on the firefighter injuries was not immediately available. Crews are working in exceptionally challenging conditions due to the ongoing heat wave that has sent temperatures well above the 100-degree mark.

Though no structures have burned, 65,600 structures are currently threatened as of Tuesday morning. This includes 9,200 homes under evacuation orders and 56,400 residences under evacuation warnings.

Over the weekend, Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency in San Bernardino County as a result of the blaze. The move helps secure federal assistance to support firefighting efforts.

"Limited resources and logistical support have hampered fire control efforts," Cal Fire reported over the weekend.

There are currently 2,098 personnel from multiple agencies assigned to the blaze. The firefight is being conducted by ground and air, though heavy smoke has challenged aircraft crews, according to Cal Fire.

There was no indication that Sunday's brief but intense rain and hail helped quell the fire. Instead, Cal Fire said thunderstorms can cause new ignitions and potentially influence activity around the fire's perimeter.

Two evacuation centers are open for residents impacted by the Line Fire, and an animal evacuation center was also established.

Some San Bernardino County school districts canceled classes Monday, and the shutdowns were expected to continue Tuesday.

Smoke drift from the Line Fire and other blazes is impacting residents across the Southland. Read more: 3 Major Wildfires Threatening Life, Property In Southern California

Additionally, the Roblar Fire that broke out Saturday aboard Camp Pendleton, just west of Temecula, had burned 950 acres and was 45% contained as of Tuesday morning.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District extended an air quality alert for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties due to increased fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke in the region and high smog (ozone) levels.

The high smog level is exacerbated by the heat wave that is expected to continue through Tuesday.

Officials are urging residents to remain indoors with windows and doors closed and avoid rigorous physical activity.

"Exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections. People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor`s advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality.

"Additionally, people with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children are particularly susceptible and should avoid prolonged exposure, strenuous activities or heavy exertion as conditions dictate," according to the National Weather Service.