Air Traffic Disrupted as Wildfires Continue to Rage in Southern California

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the agency was able to utilize 12 helicopters and six airplanes to support the more than 1,100 firefighters assigned to the containment efforts. Several western states are also sending fire personnel, trucks, and aircraft to help combat the fires, officials said.

Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that statewide more than 7,500 firefighting and emergency personnel had been deployed, including six air tankers and 31 helicopters from California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). The California National Guard also deployed 10 rotary aircraft and two C-130 aircraft to stage for wildland firefighting operations. 

During a press conference Thursday, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said firefighters are planning to use more coordinated air and ground teams but are watching the weather very carefully as winds are predicted to reach 60 mph.

The FAA established several temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in the region to protect aircraft involved in the firefighting operations.

"All other aircraft, including drones, are prohibited from flying in the TFR unless they receive authorization," the agency said.

Thursday morning a TFR was established over Santa Monica Airport (KSMO), which is located approximately 3 miles south of evacuation zones triggered by the Palisades Fire. 

The dynamic wildfire situation is having an impact on air carriers and airport operations as well.

As of Thursday, commercial airports affected by the fires included Los Angeles International (KLAX), Hollywood Burbank (KBUR), Ontario International  (KONT), and John Wayne Orange County (KSNA) in Santa Ana.

Several air carriers, including United, American, Southwest, and JetBlue, issued flight waivers for KLAX and KBUR, MSN reported. 

Several airlines canceled beverage and food service because of the turbulence in the area that was a result of the high winds fanning the flames and the heat coming off the inferno.

According to fire officials, the Palisades Fire had consumed more than 17,200 acres as of Thursday morning, and the Eaton Fire more than 10,600 acres. Approximately 180,000 people have been evacuated and more than 1,000 structures have been destroyed.

As of Thursday morning, at least five deaths were confirmed, but fire officials warned the number would likely increase as they feared some people were not able to escape the fast-moving inferno or ignored evacuation orders. Officials stressed it was too dangerous to search for victims at this time, as the ash and burned-out debris left by the flames is toxic, and the efforts continue to be on protecting the lives and structures of the community from advancing flames.