“The fire looked beautiful with how it looked at night. But the day it looked like we got bombed. And I feel bad for all the people that lost their homes.”
Photo and quote from Junior Carter Robinson, resident of Coto de Caza.
A massive wildfire, dubbed the "Airport Fire," has been ravaging southern California since early September 2024, threatening communities in Orange and Riverside Counties. Sparked near Trabuco Canyon during a heatwave, the fire quickly spread, scorching over 23,500 acres and destroying more than 150 homes and businesses.
Mandatory evacuations were issued for neighborhoods like Rancho Santa Margarita and Trabuco Highlands. Though some have been downgraded, residents remain on high alert as firefighters, aided by helicopters and water-dropping aircraft, continue battling the flames. Containment reached 81% by September 22, but flare-ups and unpredictable winds are predicted to remain a threat through the closing of September.
Several injuries have been reported, including firefighters suffering from heat-related issues. Air quality has deteriorated across the region, with thick smoke blanketing Southern California. Officials have declared a state of emergency to mobilize resources and investigate the fire's cause, which may be linked to fire safety operations by public works crews.
For Tesoro High School students, the fire has brought a range of emotions—fear, concern and disruption to daily routines.
“It was scary and mesmerizing at the same time,” said Henrik Larson, a sophomore and resident of Coto de Caza, one of the areas affected by evacuation orders.
Many students had to make quick decisions as their neighborhoods came under threat. Ashna Dahiya, a senior from Rancho Santa Margarita, shared how the fire caused anxiety in her household: “My brother cried, fearing that his childhood home was threatened by something he doesn’t have control over.”
Even for those not evacuated, the fire was a major disturbance. "I mean, it was pretty concerning at first and messed up my schedule, especially because it was kind of close," said Nayan Goyal, a junior from Coto de Caza.
Some students showed resolve and optimism but also faced health challenges due to the thick smoke blanketing the region. “Honestly, we didn’t think it was so terrible until we saw the flames,” expressed Ava Thel, a junior and resident of Dove Canyon. She further noted that the immense smoke caused her asthma to flare up, a similar story amongst many nearby residents.
The community has been pulling together during this crisis, with local officials declaring a state of emergency and firefighters battling around the clock. While firefighters have made significant progress, the threat of flare-ups and an oncoming heat wave continues to loom over the region, leaving residents, including students, on high alert.
Although the brunt of the fire seems to have passed, be sure to stay informed and prioritize your safety during these dry air conditions.
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