(last updated, September 10, 2024) In the beginning weeks of September, Southern California was introduced to multiple threatening and devastating fires. As of right now, the active wildfires include the “Bridge Fire”, “Airport Fire”, “Bear Fire” and “Line Fire”. Our unique desert has been on the edge of evacuation due to the Line Fire and the Bridge Fire.
The Line Fire that started to consume Big Bear Mountains has started to slowly spread, getting closer to homes. The devastating truth is that this was no mistake. It was an arson crime committed by a Norco resident, Justin Wayne Halstenberg. He is still under investigation, being questioned about his motives.
It is for sure that he caused statewide devastation, ruining lives, jobs, homes, and wildlife. The last update we heard was that the fire has consumed over 37,000 acres and has 18% containment.
The other fire surrounding our desert is the Bridge Fire. That fire started in Wrightwood mountains is even more devastating than the Line Fire. The Bridge Fire has already had evacuation orders for those living in Phelan. It has started threatening the homes and belongings of our Serrano High School friends and mentors.
The Bridge Fire currently has 0% containment and has consumed over 51,792 acres. It is a daunting thought to know that it will take years for wildlife and nature to recover from this damage.
How close are these fires to us?
The bridge fire is currently sitting across the 15 Freeway from Hesperia. It is close and threatening to the residents of Phelan and Oak Hills. Phelan is as close as a 24-mile radius from Hesperia. The best we can do is have faith in our brave firefighters and keep them in our thoughts.
As for the Line Fire, it is a little farther from us. The difference is that the Bridge Fire would go through Oak Hills and some parts of Victorville before it got to the heart of Hesperia, while Hesperia would be in the danger zone if The Line Fire were to continue to spread toward the High Desert.
The Line Fire currently has consumed Running Springs, part of Big Bear, Sky Forest, and is getting closer and closer to Crestline. Crestline is within a 25-mile radius of Hesperia, and about a 30-minute drive. If the fire continues to spread, they will most likely close the backroads that are Summit Valley Road and Arrowhead Lake Road.
Sultana High School at 2:16 pm Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Sultana High School sports and events have been affected by these fires. The toxic air is something to look out for. The wind has taken this toxic air as far as Las Vegas, Nevada. Residents need to avoid outdoor activities.
The smoke has caused students to feel their eyes burning throughout the day. Yzabelle Torres, Sultana High School senior stated, “My eyes were burning terribly on Tuesday and Wednesday. I had to leave early because it hurt very badly. My eyes were red and irritated”
It has also caused coughing and itchy throats. Although the district has dubbed the air as moderate and has chosen to keep school in, one should take personal precautions.
The environmental science teacher, Shane Haldeman, stated, “The air quality has been terrible throughout the week. The particle mass pm2.5 [fine inhalable particles] and pm 10 which is what you can actually see, [when it looked like it was snowing], has been dangerous for us to breathe. It hasn’t been the best scenario for individuals that have to be outside all day in particular.”
All outdoor activities have been canceled or postponed. Our Lady Sultans volleyball had a scheduled game against Serrano on Thursday, September 12. It got canceled due to evacuation orders for Phelan residents and Serrano High School students. Lady Sultan’s Soccer had scheduled tryouts for September 11,12, and 13, but they got postponed to the following week due to health risks from the air. Tennis, Football, and the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Wednesday were canceled as well due to poor air quality.
Many students and worried parents were not very convinced that the air was healthy enough to continue school, this is what Shane Haldeman had to say, “I would say it was an unhealthy decision we made, having us be here. At Least on the first two days after the fire, today it’s not so bad, it’s calmed down a little bit. When you can see visible ash in the air, it is not the best thing for our lungs.” Many students decided to stay home for the benefit of their health.
All we can do is continue to keep a lookout for worsening conditions and have faith in our firefighters. They are doing everything in their power to put an end to these tragic fires and we need to keep them and all those affected in our thoughts. From these fires, we should be mindful of any fires we start and remember to act quickly and calmly if they get out of control.
