Containment of the Airport Fire in Riverside and Orange counties jumped from 62% to 74% overnight, Cal Fire reported Sunday.
"Firefighters are working diligently to complete fireline tasks amidst warmer temperatures, drying vegetation and anticipated shifting winds this afternoon from the Lake Elsinore Effect," Cal Fire announced.
On Saturday, heat sources were scarce around the fire perimeter but pockets of heat in duff and leaf litter remained in some areas, according to Cal Fire. Fire crews were using drones equipped with infrared technology to locate hot spots. Waterbars were also being constructed along the firelines to divert water into drainages in an effort to prevent erosion.
A closure order remained in effect for the Trabuco Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest. However, on Saturday firefighters reported seeing hikers and mountain bikers in the area, and reminded the public not to enter the closed area or recreate on any of the firelines.
Southern California Edison announced plans to replace damaged power poles and lines beginning Tuesday along Ortega Highway. Operations were scheduled during times of minimal highway use, but all motorists were advised to plan for traffic delays which can occasionally occur for extended periods, Cal Fire announced. Anyone seeing a downed power line is advised to treat it as if it were live because generators and the sun can re-energize a downed line.
Authorities are also imploring drone operators to avoid the area, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said. Drones force aircraft to land to avoid an in-flight collision, he added.
The fire, which started at 1:21 p.m. on Sept. 9, has burned 23,519 acres, destroyed 160 structures, damaged 34 others and resulted in 21 injuries, according to Cal Fire. Of the 21 injured, all but two were firefighters who suffered minor injuries fighting the blaze, many of them heat-related.
On Thursday, eight firefighters were injured when a transport truck carrying an Orange County Fire Authority hand crew swerved and rolled over on the northbound Foothill (241) Toll Road in Irvine as they were heading back to the Airport Fire command post after completing a 12-hour shift on the fire line.
Four crew members remain hospitalized in stable to critical condition while four others were treated and released, authorities said.
"Thoughts and prayers of Airport Fire Unified Command and all assigned incident personnel are with the firefighters involved in this accident," Cal Fire said in a statement on its website.
Meanwhile, Orange County's Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong reissued an emergency declaration Friday as crews continued to make progress in the battle against the flames, which will help keep state funding available.
All evacuation orders and warnings were lifted in both Orange County and Riverside County as of Saturday morning, according to Cal Fire. Returnees were urged to use caution in re-entering the area because fire and utility resources were still around. Water quality and response recovery information was available at rivcoready.org/recovery @RivCoNow.
The Airport Fire began near Trabuco Canyon Road in the area of the remote-controlled airplane airport, OCFA Capt. Sean Doran said. Officials said the fire was sparked by the county public works crew using heavy equipment. The cause was deemed accidental.
Fire officials estimate the fire will be fully contained by lines of cleared vegetation by Tuesday.
Some 1,988 personnel were involved in the firefight, including 73 crews, 80 engines, 25 dozers, 34 water tenders and 17 helicopters.
Legal claims are beginning to trickle in to the county regarding the cause that sparked the blaze. Authorities have said it started when an Orange County Public Works crew was removing boulders.
Mikhail Trubchik, 40, said his San Juan Capistrano home was destroyed in the fire and has filed a claim for $2.3 million. He said the blaze destroyed his house, guest house and a five-car garage.
Fred and Diane Neubauer of Trabuco Canyon filed a claim for $1,043.75 for hotel expenses when they were evacuated from the area.
Two law firms have also sent letters to the county about a potential claim that requests a preservation of evidence.
The Airport Fire was one of three large wildfires burning in Southern California. The Line Fire had burned 39,232 acres in San Bernardino County and was 60% contained, while the Bridge Fire in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties had burned 54,877 acres and was at 69% containment.
Cal Fire officials said Gov. Gavin Newsom has secured a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency "to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppressing the Airport Fire."