Over 16,750 firefighters continue working to gain containment on the 29 major wildfires across California. Firefighters across the state responded to 36 new wildfires Saturday, and all were contained quickly. Since the beginning of the year, wildfires have burned over 3.3 million acres in California, which is larger than the State of Connecticut. Since August 15, when California’s fire activity elevated, there have been 22 fatalities and over 4,100 structures destroyed. While weather conditions have continued to be more seasonable compared to last week, firefighters are monitoring the forecast closely as today could bring elevated fire risk.
Regionally, the El Dorado Fire west of Oak Glen is at 14,283 acres and is 41% contained, with some evacuations in place.
Still burning to our immediate west since July 31, the Apple Fire remains calm and 95% contained at 33,324 acres. Working in extreme heat and steep terrain, firefighters continue to focus on monitoring, patrolling and suppression repair. Within the Apple Fire’s perimeter, pockets of burning vegetation may generate occasional smoke. Many firefighters, equipment and aircraft have been assigned to other wildfires in California and the west. Recently burned areas are at a greater risk of mudflows and flash floods. Burned Area Emergency Response efforts are focused on the protection of human life, safety, and property. Rapid burn assessments identify areas that have increased potential for floods and mudflows.
Smoke from both the Apple and El Dorado fires, along with smoke moving south from the Los Angeles area fire, are still affecting our air quality here in the Morongo Basin.
