Southern California fire agencies are managing a series of active wildfires this week, with incidents ranging from remote island terrain to foothill communities on the mainland. CAL FIRE and local fire departments report that containment levels continue to improve on several fires, though smoke and wind remain challenges across the region.
Santa Rosa Island Fire
The Santa Rosa Island Fire remains the largest active wildfire in Southern California. CAL FIRE lists the fire at 16,942 acres with 26 percent containment. The fire is burning in rugged terrain on Santa Rosa Island, part of Channel Islands National Park. No residential areas are threatened, but smoke continues to drift toward the Santa Barbara coastline.
Sandy Fire – Ventura County
The Sandy Fire near Simi Valley has burned approximately 1,698 acres and is listed at 15 percent containment. Ventura County Fire officials report that the fire has destroyed at least one structure and prompted evacuation orders for surrounding neighborhoods. Crews continue to work in steep terrain where the fire has made uphill runs.
Bain Fire – Riverside County
The Bain Fire in Jurupa Valley has burned more than 1,300 acres, with CAL FIRE listing containment at 25 percent. Riverside County officials report that evacuation orders and warnings remain in place for several neighborhoods. Four civilian injuries have been reported.
Verona Fire – Riverside County
The Verona Fire near Homeland has burned roughly 500 acres and is listed at 5 percent containment. Evacuation orders remain active as firefighters work to slow the fire’s spread in dry brush and shifting winds.
Tusil Fire – San Diego County
The Tusil Fire in San Diego County is listed at 1,000 acres with 25 percent containment. Crews continue to strengthen control lines as weather conditions fluctuate.
Foothill Fire – Santa Barbara County
The Foothill Fire has burned approximately 400 acres and is 10 percent contained. Firefighters are working in hilly terrain with limited access.
Additional Smaller Incidents
CAL FIRE lists several smaller fires across the region, including the Burro Fire in Los Angeles County at 30 acres and 70 percent containment, and the Whitlock Fire in Imperial County at 100 acres with no containment reported. These fires are not currently prompting major evacuation activity.
Air Quality Impacts
Smoke from the Sandy, Bain, and Verona fires has prompted air quality advisories across parts of Ventura, Riverside, and Los Angeles counties. Officials recommend limiting outdoor activity in areas experiencing drifting smoke or falling ash.
Sources
CAL FIRE – Active Incidents
Ventura County Fire Department
Riverside County Fire Department
San Diego County Fire Authority
Santa Barbara County Fire Department
NBC Los Angeles
KTLA 5
CBS News Los Angeles
ABC7 Los Angeles