Firefighters are engaged in a relentless battle against three major wildfires burning east of Los Angeles, which have collectively scorched more than 117,000 acres and destroyed nearly 200 structures. The largest of these, the Bridge Fire, ignited on September 8 in the Angeles National Forest, approximately 31 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. As of Wednesday, it had burned 54,795 acres and was 37% contained, with 75 structures—including at least 33 homes—lost to the flames. The cause of the Bridge Fire remains under investigation, while calm conditions overnight allowed firefighters to strengthen containment lines.

The Line Fire, burning in San Bernardino County, has been fueled by extremely dry vegetation and was ignited by a suspected arsonist on September 5. This blaze has consumed 39,181 acres, damaged four structures, destroyed one, and injured four people, including three firefighters. Containment efforts have been successful, reaching 50% as of Wednesday, with minimal fire growth reported overnight. The state’s response has included the deployment of the National Guard and the declaration of a state of emergency to mobilize additional resources for the firefighting effort.

The third major blaze, the Airport Fire, broke out on September 9 in an unincorporated area of Orange County before spreading into Riverside County. This fire has burned 23,519 acres and is 35% contained. It has been the most destructive of the three, destroying 160 structures—including homes and businesses—and injuring at least 15 people, two of whom are firefighters. The fire was inadvertently sparked by county public works crews conducting a fire prevention project in an area with dense, dry vegetation.

More than 8,000 firefighters are working to control the fires, supported by aerial resources and benefiting from cooler weather conditions. The combined impact of these blazes has forced thousands to evacuate, with the threat to communities persisting as crews continue to reinforce fire lines and protect vulnerable areas.