Tue Sep 10 17:12:44 UTC 2024: ## Southern California Wildfire Threatens Critical Infrastructure

**Trabuco Canyon, CA** – A wildfire that ignited in Trabuco Canyon, Orange County, on Monday has rapidly grown to 8,500 acres, threatening critical infrastructure and prompting evacuations. The Airport Fire, sparked by public works crews working in a fire-sensitive area, has spread up Santiago Peak, putting an antenna farm atop the mountain at risk.

Despite aggressive firefighting efforts, the fire is 0% contained and continues to spread eastward, crossing the Orange County/Riverside County line. The antenna farm, crucial for communications, sits at the highest elevation in Orange County and is a vital piece of infrastructure.

“It’s not looking good for critical infrastructure atop Santiago Peak,” stated KABC reporter Chris Cristi on X (formerly Twitter), accompanied by a photo of the flames. While flames were initially doused in the immediate vicinity of the antenna farm, crews remain on scene battling the fire on Santiago Peak.

The rapidly expanding blaze has prompted a mandatory evacuation for the RSM03 zone in Rancho Santa Margarita, while voluntary evacuations are in place for several other areas. The Orange County Fire Authority urges residents to avoid the area to allow firefighters to work safely.

The fire has been classified as unintentional. Multiple shelters have been set up, including a long-term care and reception shelter at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center and a large animal shelter in Costa Mesa. Several roads remain closed due to the fire.

Dry, hot conditions continue to fuel the fire’s spread, posing a significant challenge for firefighters. The Orange County Fire Authority is working to contain the blaze and protect surrounding communities.

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