Massive California wildfires slow, but threat persists

Wildfires that have destroyed scores of mountain houses near Los Angeles slowed on Thursday as temperatures dropped, but authorities cautioned that the blazes still threatened neighborhoods.

Driven by triple-digit temperatures, gusty winds, and tinder-dry foliage, the three fires spread at unprecedented speeds, scorching almost 110,000 acres (44,510 hectares), an area twice the size of Seattle.

The devastating wildfires have not only impacted residential areas but have also taken a toll on local ecosystems. Wildlife biologists are reporting significant displacement of animals, with many species forced to flee their habitats. The fires have also raised concerns about long-term environmental consequences, including soil erosion and potential changes in vegetation patterns. Environmental agencies are already planning post-fire restoration efforts to mitigate these impacts and help the affected areas recover.

The Bridge Fire, California's largest current wildfire, raged across neighborhoods in the San Gabriel Mountains, fewer than 65 kilometers northeast of central Los Angeles, where people priced out of the city had built houses.

According to authorities, the 51,000-acre (20,640-hectare) blaze destroyed over 40 houses and cabins in Mount Baldy and Wrightwood, as well as damaged lifts at the Mountain High ski area.

The economic impact of these wildfires extends far beyond property damage. Local businesses, particularly those in the tourism and hospitality sectors, are reporting significant losses. The Mountain High ski area, a popular winter destination, faces an uncertain future with damaged infrastructure. Additionally, air quality concerns have led to temporary closures of schools and businesses in surrounding areas, further straining the local economy. State officials are already discussing potential relief measures for affected communities.

Fire growth slowed when the high in Los Angeles dropped to 27°C, with the cooling trend forecast to continue over the weekend.

We're expecting to make significant progress on this fire today as a result of the coastal marine effect and the lower temperatures, according to Lisa Cox, a spokesman for the response team, referring to a process that elevates moisture levels.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a 34-year-old delivery driver from San Bernardino, 80 kilometers east of Los Angeles, was charged with arson and grievous bodily injury on Thursday for allegedly igniting the Line Fire, which has charred 37,000 acres (14,970 hectares) of mountains above the metropolis of 220,000 people.

Halstenberg was being held in a local jail and could not be reached immediately for comment. There was no attorney listed for him.

The Line Fire burned a residence in Running Springs, injuring one fireman and two civilians. The blaze forced the evacuation of 5,490 homes, and two individuals were arrested on suspicion of looting.

The massive evacuation efforts have put a strain on local resources and emergency services. Temporary shelters are operating at full capacity, with many residents uncertain about when they can return home. Community organizations and volunteers have mobilized to provide support, offering food, clothing, and other essentials to displaced families. Mental health professionals are also being deployed to assist those dealing with the trauma of losing their homes and the stress of evacuation.

Southeast of Los Angeles, the Airport Fire has destroyed homes in the Elsinore Mountains and injured at least ten people. The 23,000-acre (9,300-hectare) fire is thought to have been started by a spark from machinery moving boulders to prevent access to the wilderness region.

According to emergency officials, the Airport Fire continues to pose a severe threat to the cities of Orange and Riverside counties. The fires have California rushing for additional firefighting resources as a record-breaking US fire season causes a statewide scarcity of men and planes.

The shortage of firefighting resources has prompted a nationwide response. Firefighters from other states are being deployed to California, bringing with them specialized equipment and expertise. The U.S. Forest Service has also redirected air tankers and helicopters from other regions to assist in the firefighting efforts. This collaborative approach highlights the growing need for a coordinated national strategy to address the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires across the country.

According to scientists, climate change is causing larger and more destructive wildfires in the western United States. California's mountains are prepared for fire as grasses and scrub thrived during the previous two years' wet winters before drying up in recent high temperatures.

"We are seeing fires that are larger and burning more acres than we used to," said Robert Foxworthy, a spokesperson for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or CAL FIRE, who has over 20 years of firefighting expertise.