Cooler weather helps fight large fires in Southern California

Cooler weather is helping fight a large wildfire in Southern California, one of three large wildfires in the region.

The Bridge Fire broke out Tuesday, forcing evacuations in the communities of Wrightwood and Pinion Hills. Authorities also closed highways and issued evacuation warnings for about half a dozen nearby foothill communities.

The fire started during a severe heat wave in the region but slowed to minimal growth Thursday as winds dropped and humidity increased, according to a CalFire update.

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

A coastal marine influence and favorable onshore winds are expected to continue to aid firefighters in the 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 percent contained. The cause of the fire, which started on Sunday, is under investigation.

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

The line fire in San Bernardino County has grown to about 37,743 acres and is 21 percent contained. That fire reportedly damaged or destroyed at least four structures, with about 65,000 more threatened. The Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties has burned 23,494 acres and is 8 percent contained, according to CalFire.

Top Photo: Cooler weather helps fight Bridge Fire in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties. USDA Forest Service photo.