Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
'Freeway Complex' Fire Continues to Burn; Affects 4 Counties
The fire that broke out Saturday in Corona near Green River Road and the 91 Riverside Freeway has now been dubbed the "Freeway Complex" fire or the "Triangle Freeway" fire because of the broad stretch of land in three counties--Riverside (Corona), Orange (Yorba Linda, Anaheim Hills), and San Bernardino (Chino Hills)--in which it is blazing. A fire in nearby Brea is being connected to this fire, and now threatens the neighboring community of Diamond Bar, which would then involve a fourth county, Los Angeles.
According to an Orange County Fire authority, as of early this morning "at least 104 residences in 64 buildings have been burned in the fire" (cbs2.com). The fire has burned close to 10, 500 acres, and containment is at only 5%. An estimated 40,000 residents have been evacuated from multiple areas and are using area community centers and high schools as temporary shelters.
Last night, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger "declared a state of emergency in Orange and Riverside counties about 9:45 p.m. Saturday, is scheduled to visit the burn area at 11 a.m." today. Today's weather is expected to continue to be hot, dry, and windy.
Sponsored message
An Orange County Fire Authority captain assesses the situation as a wildfire burns homes in Yorba Linda, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008. | AP Photo/Mark Avery
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
