US: Authorities continue working to contain wildfire in Orange and Riverside counties, Calif., as of late Sept. 11 /update 1

Crews continue working to contain a wildfire burning in parts of Orange and Riverside counties, California, as of late Sept. 11. The Airport Fire broke out the afternoon of Sept. 9 near Trabuco Canyon and Rose Canyon. It has burned around 9,364 hectares (23,140 acres) and is 5 percent contained. More than 620 personnel are on site battling the blaze. The fire has spread along the Ortega Highway and is threatening more than 10,000 structures. Authorities have issued a state of emergency in Orange and Riverside counties.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for zones ELC01, RSM03, and ORT01 in Orange County and north of San Diego-Riverside County Line, south of Orange County Line, east of Orange County Line, and west of S Main Divide/Grand Avenue in Riverside County, affecting more than 5,500 homes. Evacuation warnings are in place for the surrounding areas, affecting more than 9,500 homes. Several roads are closed, including Ortega Highway between Grand Avenue and Nichols Institute. Full details on the locations of evacuation orders and road closures can be found here. Officials have established temporary evacuation shelters at RSM Bell Tower Community Center in Rancho Santa Margarita in Orange County as well as at Temescal Canyon High School in Lake Elsinore and Santiago High School in Corona in Riverside County. One structure has been damaged, and 7 people have been injured; the number of damaged or destroyed structures is likely to rise as officials conduct damage assessments. Schools in the vicinity of the fire are closed.

Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities will likely close additional routes within the wildfire complex and evacuate more communities depending on fire activity and the needs of response operators. Residents' return will probably disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Power outages are likely in affected areas. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.