California, the home of In-N-Out, Disneyland, Universal Studios, and many other magical things, is very notorious for its brutal wildfires. The state is already going through a drought and is now facing a fiery threat known as the Aiport Fire. The Airport Fire is roaring dangerously close to home, ripping through Trabuco Canyon and Rose Canyon and leaving Orange County and Riverside County on edge. The fire ignited on September 9, 2024, and was caused by human activity. It appears to have been accidentally sparked by Orange County public workers operating heavy equipment.

So far, Orange County Fire Authority, Riverside County Fire Department, CAIIMET Team 2, Riverside County Combo, RRU Sherrif, and the United States Forest Service have all contributed to contain this fire. As of September 22, 2024, the brutal Airport Fire has been about 81% contained but has already scorched 23,519 acres of land, which is roughly 37 square miles. A dedicated force of 1,189 firefighters has been battling this inferno, which has caused 15 injuries, 13 firefighters and 2 civilians. Thankfully, there have been zero fatalities among the civilians and firefighters. However, the fire has severely threatened 20,780 structures, with 34 being damaged and 160 destroyed (fire.ca.gov).

Because of this, officials told Zone ELCO1B or Blue Jay Campground, which is about 47 miles away from Yorba Linda, to evacuate. 47 miles might seem like a long way, but because of the wind, students at school are seeing the side effects of the poor air quality. When Yorba Linda High School students were asked how they felt walking around school with poor air quality, Serina Patel (12) shared, “It made me feel really sick, like breathing was difficult, and after a while, I started to get a pretty bad headache and a sore throat.”

Bad air quality can cause minor issues such as irritation in your eyes, nose, and throat. However, it can also cause more significant problems, especially for those with previous health issues—specifically individuals with asthma, people with heart problems, the elderly population, and pregnant women. Poor air quality can also cause more serious diseases like lung cancer, respiratory diseases, and cataracts. So, to stay safe from mayhem, try to stay inside as much as possible; if you have to go outside, wear a mask and stay hydrated–it’s crucial for your well-being.