Cooler Weather Helping Fight Large Southern California Wildfire

Cooler weather is aiding the fight against a large Southern California wildfire, one of three large fires in the region.

The Bridge Fire exploded in size on Tuesday, forcing evacuations in the communities of Wrightwood and Pinion Hills. Authorities also closed highways and issued evacuation warnings for roughly a half-dozen nearby communities in the foothills.

The fire started during a severe heatwave in the region, but slowed to minimal growth on Thursday as winds died down and humidity rose, according to a CalFire update.

“Today, the Bridge Fire is still active. However, the behavior moderated significantly due to the slight increase in humidity and temperature decrease,” the update states. “Firefighters made great progress on the ground, aided by aircraft to attack the fire aggressively 24 hours per day. Crews continued to be engaged with structure defense in the communities of Wrightwood, Piñon Hills, and Mount Baldy. The ability for crews to also extinguish new fire starts in the vicinity of the Bridge Fire is also a good sign and testament to their success and hard work.”

A coastal marine influence and favorable onshore winds are expected to continue to aid firefighters in coming days, according to fire officials.

The fire, which covers parts of San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, has burned 51,884 acres and is 3% contained. The cause of the fire, which started on Sunday, is under investigation.

The Bridge Fire is one of three large blazes burning in the region.

The Line Fire in San Bernardino County was spread over about 37,743 acres and 21% contained. That fire has reportedly damaged or destroyed at least four structures, with roughly 65,000 others threatened. The Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties has burned 23,494 acres and is 8% containment, according to CalFire.

Top photo: Cooler weather is aiding a fight against the Bridge Fire in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties. USDA Forest Service photo.