The CaseyGerry Wildfire team is actively monitoring the situation regarding the Southern California Airport Fires affecting Orange County and Riverside County. First reported on Monday, September 9, 2024, the blaze has already ravaged more than 23,000 acres.
The fire started in Trabuco Canyon, located in eastern Orange County at the foothills of the Santa Ana mountains within the Cleveland National Forest. The fire burned down almost all 36 cabins in the historic Jim Canyon located in the Cleveland National Forest. In Lake Elsinore, several homes and vehicles in the neighborhood of El Caruso Village were reportedly burned to the ground. By mid-morning on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the fire had reached the top of Santiago Peak, damaging communication towers.
The fire was started by a spark from heavy equipment used by the Orange County Public Works crews to move boulders that were blocking road access at Trabuco Creek Road. It was reported to be accidental and unintentional. According to the Orange County Fire Authority Deputy Chief TJ McGovern, the crew saw smoke coming from the equipment after placing a load of boulders. They attempted to put out the fire using multiple fire extinguishers.
There has been outcry calling the City of Orange County careless for undertaking work like this on one of the hottest days in the year. The OC city crew was working on moving the boulders in temperatures reaching the high 90s. Due to the ongoing heatwave during that week, excessive heat warnings and warnings of heightened wildfire dangers were in effect that day. The fire started around 1:00 PM that afternoon.
An article by the Orange County Register titled, Reckless, Stupid, Incompetent: OC Work that started Airport fire questions, blasted, stated “Why in earth would anyone, let alone the OC PUBLIC WORKS, be using construction equipment during a Red Flag day in the wild lands?”
The city crew were blocking a road used for illegal off-roading at the request of the property owners who had experienced property damage.
Steve Palmer, a former Villa Park firefighter said the crew’s decision to use heavy equipment in such hot weather was reckless and stupid. He continued, “It’s triple digits and you’re going to use a big piece of steel equipment to hit rocks? That always causes sparks,” he said. “Who wouldn’t know that or assume that?”
As of Friday, September 13, 2024, the Airport Fire has ravaged 23,494 acres and resulted in 12 injuries. It is 8% contained.
Residents of the area are advised to remain alert of any changes and evacuation orders. The following locations have been set up as Evacuation shelters:
- RSM Bell Tower Community Center
22232 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita - Temescal Canyon High School
28755 El Toro Road - Lake Elsinore and Santiago High School
1395E Foothill Pkwy, Corona
The CaseyGerry law firm continues to monitor the fires and remains available for legal questions. The firm has a strong history of representing those who have been impacted by fires caused by the negligence of others including large utility companies.
If you would like to speak to a fire attorney to explore your legal rights, please contact us at (619) 238-1811.
