Although the Joro spider, an invasive species that has been spotted across the United States, including in California, isn’t dangerous, its size and the web it creates can seem like props from a horror movie.

“They’re not medically significant,” said Pat Wooden, the insect identification lab manager at Virginia Tech. “They’re great big bugs, but they’re not going to bite you and cause terrible damage. They’re established really well, so there isn’t a whole lot we can do against them. Their spider webs can get up to 10 feet.”

The spider has recently been found in California, with the first report in October, Wooden said. They don’t have any natural predators and have a big web that is able to capture a diverse range of prey, including beetles, wasps and stink bugs. The spiders are also good at distancing themselves from each other so they aren’t in competition.

Wooden recommends that people try not to panic and do nothing if they happen to see one. The spiders benefit humans by acting as natural pest control, eating mosquitoes, biting flies and invasive stink bugs. Their venom isn’t dangerous to people or pets and they seldom bite.

The spiders disperse themselves by “ballooning,” in which spiderlings release silk that catches in the wind, letting them travel. This falsely gives people the impression that the spiders can somehow fly.

“They’re incredibly prevalent and people interact with them a lot,” she said. “We’ve gotten past the people thinking that they flew, which was the real scary thing that came with them.”

The first time the spider was spotted in the U.S. was in Georgia in 2014, likely brought to the country through shipping containers from China, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, Wooden said.

The spiders are especially prevalent in Appalachia and have also been spotted in South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Alabama, Ohio and Florida.

“We learned that we’re just going to be stuck with them,” Wooden said. “They’re becoming more prevalent and they’re slowly making their way across the Southeast. When we recently did work in Tennessee, every single rock alcove had one in it.”

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources find the spider so intriguing that they launched a website, Jorowatch.org, to track where the spiders have popped up across the country. Most have been reported in Georgia. The website shows some spiders reported as recently as October in Santa Barbara County.

According to the website, the spiders are active from September to October and are orb-weavers known for spinning spiral wheel-shaped webs. They can be identified by a yellow abdomen with red markings, and by the golden color of their webs.

Male Joro spiders are about 0.25 inches in size and mostly brown while female spiders are about 1.25 inches and mostly yellow.

The spiders’ white egg sacs, usually laid between October and November, are often attached to leaves, tree bark and flat structures and contain 400 to 500 eggs, according to Jorowatch.

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Emergency crews responded Sunday after a man was bitten near California State University Channel Islands, according to Ventura County Fire Department spokesperson Andrew Dowd. The victim was taken to a hospital, treated with antivenom, and was reported to be in stable condition.

The recent cases are already approaching last year’s total. Ventura County recorded nine rattlesnake bites throughout all of 2025, meaning this year’s pace is significantly higher.

Across Southern California, two fatal encounters have already been reported this year. In March, a 46-year-old woman died after being bitten while hiking in Wildwood Regional Park. Days earlier, 25-year-old Julian Hernandez was killed following a bite near the Quail Hill Trailhead in Orange County.

Officials say environmental conditions are likely playing a role. A warmer-than-usual spring combined with heavy winter rainfall has created ideal conditions for snakes — and for the small rodents they prey on — bringing more activity to local trails at the same time more people are heading outdoors.

Statewide data reflects a similar trend. The California Poison Control System has reported an increase in rattlesnake-related calls, with 77 cases logged in just the first three months of 2026, according to the Los Angeles Times. Typically, annual totals range between 200 and 300 calls, with most incidents occurring between April and October.

Despite the recent incidents, experts stress that fatalities remain rare. According to emergency physician and toxicologist Jeffrey Suchard of UCI Health, deaths from rattlesnake bites are uncommon. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates between 7,000 and 8,000 snakebites occur each year, with only a handful resulting in death.

Still, authorities are urging caution.

Dowd said the increase in bites serves as a reminder for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to take basic safety precautions. Staying on marked trails, avoiding tall grass and brush, and wearing protective clothing like boots and long pants can reduce the risk of an encounter. Carrying a charged phone is also recommended in case of emergencies.

If bitten, officials say the most important steps are to remain calm, limit movement to slow the spread of venom, and call 911 immediately.

As temperatures continue to rise, authorities expect snake activity to remain elevated — making awareness and preparation key for anyone spending time outdoors.

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Related video above: Federal judge hears arguments on deportation flights

Nelson Gonzalez, 59, and his wife Gladys Gonzalez, 55, of Orange County, originally entered the states near San Ysidro before ultimately settling in Laguna Niguel and starting their family.  

While the couple tried numerous legal avenues to remain in the country over the years, including appeals to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Board of Immigration Appeals, a spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told The Orange County Register that the Gonzalezes had “exhausted all legal options to remain in the U.S. between March 2000 and August 2021,” and were ultimately in violation of immigration law.  

Their three daughters, Gabby, 23, Jessica, 33, and Stephanie, 27, all U.S. citizens, told KTLA that they were devastated when they learned their parents had been detained on Feb. 21 during a regular check-in with U.S. immigration officials.  

“They were put into handcuffs by their wrists and ankles and treated as criminals before getting to these detention centers,” Stephanie Gonzalez told KTLA. “All they said is they extended their stay, even though every year they’ve had permission to be here and they’re law-abiding citizens who show up and are doing their duty to check in with immigration and say, ‘Hey I’m here. I’m not hiding or doing anything wrong.’ Then they just arrested them like that.” 

Gladys and Nelson, neither of whom have a criminal record, were originally held at the Adelanto Detention Center in San Bernardino County before being transferred to a facility in Arizona and later Louisiana.  

Stephanie told The Register that though her parents have been traumatized by everything that’s transpired, they are grateful to no longer be in detention centers and have made contact with family in Colombia who are helping them start a new life.  

The two younger sisters, Gabby and Stephanie, are currently living with Jessica and her husband in Newport Beach. They all plan to visit their parents within the coming weeks.  

Family members also acknowledged they’re one of many who have been affected by President Donald Trump and his administration’s goal of ramping up arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants throughout the U.S.  

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Dengue is primarily carried and transmitted by infected Aedes aegypti, a species of mosquito common to the Riverside County area. While seven human cases of the disease have been reported by Los Angeles and San Diego counties this year, none have been reported in Riverside County.

In addition, it is likely that the seven cases involved people who were traveling elsewhere, according to the statement from the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District.

“With fall temperatures, we often spend more time outdoors,” said Jeremy Wittie, general manager for the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District. He noted that mosquitoes are more active in the fall and emphasized that wearing repellent is essential to staying healthy.

The district urged residents to take a handful of steps to help control the spread of Aedes aegypti, including eliminating standing water sources where mosquitoes lay eggs. For those planning on traveling to active transmission areas, officials recommended applying repellents with EPA- registered ingredients and wearing long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes.

Reported symptoms of dengue include aches and pains (such as eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain), nausea, vomiting, and rash, the statement said.

The district urged anyone with these symptoms to avoid mosquito bites and contact a medical provider.

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Mental health workers represented by the National Union of Healthcare Workers prepared for the strike over the weekend after declining Kaiser’s terms on Friday.

Kaiser in a written statement said it is notifying patients whose appointments could be affected by the strike. “Patients will have the opportunity to be seen by another professional in our extensive network of highly qualified, licensed therapists, if their regular provider is engaged in a strike,” the statement read.

The previous strike in 2022 among mental health clinicians in Northern California lasted 10 weeks and led to a commitment from Kaiser to hire more therapists and to give employees specific work hours away from face-to-face patient care.

Southern California Kaiser workers now are asking for more time in between appointments to prepare for patients. They also want wage increase and a pension benefit that the company provides to its Northern California clinicians. 

“It’s pretty simple,” said psychological social worker William Johnson, a union steward who serves on the bargaining committee. “We’re looking for the same three top priorities that Kaiser already said ‘Yes’ to for our Northern California mental healthcare workers.”

Johnson said his current workload includes seeing 32 to 35 patients a week in one-hour sessions.

Kaiser released a statement in response to the union’s plans to strike, saying, “unfortunately this comes as no surprise, as this seems to have been their intention all along.”

The company has offered wage increases amounting to 18% over four years and a number of other perks, according to the statement. Kaiser representatives said they have invested more than a billion dollars expanding mental health capabilities in California and increased the number of  licensed mental health clinicians in Southern California by 30% over the past four years.

But union members say turnover has been a problem, with a quarter of therapists hired between January 2021 and August 2024 leaving their jobs. 

“Kaiser leadership has consistently been dismissive whenever we voice our concerns or experiences,” said Johnson. “They like to tell us things like, ‘We get that it’s not ideal,’ and they also add, ‘But it works for us.’”

Jared Garcia, another union steward on the bargaining committee, said he’s hoping the strike lasts less than a month, but he’s prepared to see it go on as long as it takes.

“Scabs aren’t going to work,” said Garcia. “Kaiser knows the limitations of finding mental health professionals – let alone to replace 2,400 of our union members at this time.”

A year ago, Kaiser entered into a $200 million settlement agreement with the state of California, agreeing to pay a $50 million fine and invest another $150 million over five years to address delays in behavioral health appointments.

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In 2020, the California Department of Justice sued Vitol, Inc., SK Energy Americas, Inc. and its parent company SK Trading International, alleging that the companies worked together in secret to manipulate prices after an explosion at a Torrance gasoline refinery in 2015.

The companies engaged “in a scheme to drive up gas prices for their own profit,” that limited competition and caused Californians to pay more at the pump, according to the attorney general’s office.

In July 2024, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the state had reached a $50 million settlement with the companies.

Of that, $37.5 million will be distributed as gas rebates to impacted consumers in California.

Peoplewho purchased fuel in select parts of the statecan now apply to get money back, Bonta said in an Oct. 2 news release.

Who is eligible to get gas rebates?

Anyone who filled up their tank in parts of Central or Southern California between Feb. 20, 2015, and Nov. 10, 2015, can submit a claim.

If you bought gas in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Kern, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo or Imperial counties during this time period, you are eligible for a gas rebate.

Call 877-725-7523 or email peoplesinfo@calgaslitigation.com to learn if you were affected by the settlement.

Who is eligible to get gas rebates?

Anyone who filled up their tank in parts of Central or Southern California between Feb. 20, 2015, and Nov. 10, 2015, can submit a claim.

If you bought gas in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Kern, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo or Imperial counties during this time period, you are eligible for a gas rebate.

Call 877-725-7523 or email peoplesinfo@calgaslitigation.com to learn if you were affected by the settlement.

How to submit a claim

Eligible consumers can submit a claim online at CalGasLitigation.com or mail in a claim form.

Applicants are asked to provide their name, address, driver’s license number and answer questions verifying they bought gas in 2015.

You must apply by Jan. 8, 2025, to receive money from the settlement.

How much money will California drivers get?

According to the settlement website, the amount of payment people receive will depend on how many valid claims are submitted..

When will gas rebate be distributed?

There is no set date on when settlement checks will be delivered.

On Feb. 28, 2025, the San Francisco County Superior Court of California will hold a hearing on whether to approve the settlement. The approval and appeals process could take more than a year, the settlement website said.

Gas rebates will be sent to Californians once the case is resolved.

Claimants can receive settlement funds through an electronic payment account, such as PayPal, Venmo or Zelle, or as a paper check.

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Following a surge in the Line Fire on September 29, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department told Seven Oaks residents to leave the small mountain community.

Angelus Oaks residents were also asked to evacuate, while those living in the Boulder Bay area along Big Bear Lake were told to be ready to move out.

The San Bernardino National Forest said on September 29, the Line Fire had spread over 62.6 square miles and was 83 percent contained, with 1,176 personnel assigned to fight the blaze. The blaze threatened more than 65,000 homes.

A California man, Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, of Norco, pleaded not guilty on September 17 to starting the Line Fire on September 5. According to court records, he was charged with 11 arson-related crimes.

Temperatures are expected to rise this week across California. Dry, hot winds in the northern part of the state prompted Pacific Gas & Electric to preemptively cut power to about 1,200 customers in Butte and Shasta counties. The utility routinely cuts electricity service in areas where weather conditions increase the risk of fires.

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Soboba Tribal Council Chairwoman Geneva Mojado, who wears multiple hats as pitcher and utility player for the Soboba Women (host team) as well as one of 20 committee members who worked together to organize the annual event, said the Tribe has been hosting since 2006 minus one COVID year.

“And it continues to get bigger and better every year,” she said, adding that this year’s 15 men’s teams and 18 women’s teams marked the most participation she’s seen at a Soboba tournament.

The men’s teams played on the two fields at the Sports Complex while the women’s teams competed at The Oaks on three fields. The fourth field was reserved for inflatable bouncers, water slides and other activities to keep young ones entertained while their moms played the sport.

While teams consisted of many siblings and other relatives, as well as multigenerational players, the spectators who set up shade canopies, blankets and lawn chairs cheered on all teams from the sidelines or from the bleachers. Each game was played for seven innings or 90 minutes, whichever came first.

Mike Calac, catcher for the Cali Reds who won their Friday night and Saturday morning games, and went on to finish in third place overall, also scored an MVP award. Other members of his team who were honored as All-Tournament team players for their outstanding performance throughout the three days of play were Vincent Nelson and Donald Padilla.

“We’re from all different reservations like Rincon, Pala and Pauma and others in the Southern California area,” Calac said of his team of 18 players. “I love playing ball. We have all been playing most of our lives, ever since we were kids.”

Also on the team are his brothers Vince and Fred Nelson, as well as cousins and nephews. He said the team gets together to practice a couple times a month and competes in 10-12 tournaments every year. The team has been to Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin and North Dakota among other stops this year playing in both fastpitch and slow-pitch tournaments.

“We usually place in the top three but it’s anybody’s game,” Calac said. “I love the atmosphere here at Soboba.”

The Silvas family had players on three different teams and Mojado said an ultimate highlight of the weekend for her was to share the field with her daughter Gloria. “We actually have three sets of mothers and daughters on our team; and two sets of sisters,” she said.

Twelve umpires from the Margarita Officials Association were on hand to officiate at all the weekend games. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to provide expertly trained and certified fastpitch and slow-pitch officials within Southern California, specifically, the regions of North San Diego County and Southern Riverside County.

Pete Davis is the president of the association and was working at Field 1 with fellow umpires Rudy Meza and Vic Hawthorne on Saturday morning. Davis, who played a lot of slow pitch softball when he served in the Marine Corps, is now a Federal Magistrate at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base.

“The biggest part of umpiring is game management and managing people,” Davis said. “Someone will be happy with your call, and someone will not be.”

He has been umpiring for the NIAA tournament at Soboba for the past six years and worked tournaments at Morongo and Rincon this summer. “There’s always a rapport and trust you have to build through your reputation,” he said. “I love the camaraderie here; bonding with the players.”

Vendors offering goods and foods populated the Sports Complex area between the two fields and the pool and splash pad were open to keep children occupied when they weren’t at the fences watching their older family members participate.

Gloria Vivanco was one of the vendors with her Designs by Gloria booth. She has been in business for nine years and makes everything herself. “I like doing the bird skirts and purses the best,” she said. Her daughter-in-law, Maria Vivanco, was helping her with sales and said bird skirts are usually the biggest seller, adding that Gloria is one of the few who makes peon and gourd bags, which are also popular.

The 20-member NIAA Committee is made up of Tribal members, Tribal members’ spouses, Tribal members from other reservations and family and friends who love the game of softball.

“Our meetings typically start six months in advance with a ‘Save the Date’ notice,” Mojado said. “We each have our own duties to contribute to NIAA and its success. I like to say it’s a well-oiled machine with great communication. Our last NIAA meeting before the weekend was a little potluck to share a meal and do a blind draw for the brackets.”

Lots of volunteers assisted to ensure the weekend would run smoothly and all attendees would be safe and satisfied with their experience. Dawn Lawrence was one of about 70 volunteers from the San Jacinto Unified School District who have been assisting each year since 2017. “We help with the scoreboard, clean out the dugouts between games and pick up any trash on the grounds,” Lawrence said. “It’s our ‘giving back’ to Soboba that always does so much for us throughout the year.” She said they are already planning for the turkey distribution in November and the toy giveaway in December.

Scorekeepers included Lily Brandt, Cultural Center Manager for Soboba’s Cultural Resource Department, who volunteers each year as she is avid about the sport. Dondi Silvas, an NIAA Committee member who serves as Soboba Foundation president and Soboba Housing Specialist, also donated her time for the men’s games at the second field. Family and friends all contribute with the Placencia and Durant families also on scorekeeper duty. “We like to have those who volunteer for registration continue to do registration to get to know players,” Mojado said. “Joey Placencia, Loovi Herrera and Melissa Vera do a fantastic job.”

Rhonda Valenzuella is on the committee and volunteers her time as one of the official photographers for the tournament. “Over the years, there have been many families that host teams/players. Some of our returning players come without their original teams because they love our tournament and coming out to California,” she said. “The beautiful part about this is that these ball players have been playing against one another for so long that there’s been a brotherhood/sisterhood that’s developed on these ballfields over the years so they can easily find a team to play for.”

She knows of two Canadian teams and one from Oklahoma that have been hosted by families at Soboba, as well as an infinite number of individual players that come from across the U.S. and Canada. The Placencia family hosts Bryan’s Blackhawks from Oklahoma, members of the LNG Dreams women’s team from Canada and whoever needs a place to stay, visit or get something to eat. “This year they even opened their home to one of our vendors so they wouldn’t be sleeping in their car. They always make everyone feel so welcome,” Valenzuella said. “As the years go by, I find out more and more of our families go above and beyond to accommodate our ball players. We’ve all become this beautiful fastpitch family over the years. Hosting usually entails food, lodging, and socializing; creating bonds, core memories, and transforming from strangers into lifelong family members.”

She added, “I’ve been on this NIAA Committee for so long that many of our ballplayers have literally become family over the years. I’ve been playing fastpitch since I was little and grew up with many of our ball players. I enjoy every game; this sport runs through my veins.”

Shortly before the scheduled start of the tournament on Friday, Sept. 20, there was a thunderstorm in the area and the opening ceremony was moved indoors at the Sports Complex. Each year, honorariums are presented to those who have been instrumental in playing a significant role in the softball community. Those recognized at this year’s opening ceremony and with ceremonial first pitches from family members were Jennifer “Jenny” Bow, Howie Diaz Jr. and Leroy Segundo. Mojado said it turned out to be a blessing to be gathered together to honor them in an intimate setting.

“We only had a 15-minute game delay. And with fields being well taken care of and groomed, no fields held any puddles of water for delay,” Mojado said. “The games stayed on schedule.”

First place teams received a gourd trophy by Joseph Masiel of Pechanga, tournament jackets and $4,000 cash; second place teams earned a gourd trophy, hoodies and $2,000; third place finishers received a gourd trophy, long-sleeved shirts and $1,000; while the fourth-place teams were given back their entry fee of $500.

2024 NIAA Men’s Division results: First place, MMC (Morongo Men’s Club), who came in as reigning champions; Second place, Manderson A’s (South Dakota); third place, Cali Reds; and fourth place, Red Leaf (South Dakota). Named Most Valuable Player was Hobe Locke of the Manderson A’s, MVP Pitcher was Steven Normand of MMC; and MVP Catcher for the Cali Reds “Mike C” Morreo Jr. (Calac).

Players who received All-Tournament nods were Chayton Lloyd and Ethan Lans from MMC, Joe “Cornbread” Merrival and Stanley Walking Jr. from the Manderson A’s, Vincent Nelson and Donald Padilla with the Cali Reds, Richard “JR” Charging Hawk Jr. with Red Leaf, KJ Mazzeti from Rincon Men’s and Cameron Curo with BBMI. Honorable mentions went to Eloy Montoya, MMC; Anton Little Shield, Red Leaf; Cory Reed, Rincon Men’s; and Stevie Silvas, Team 45 (from Soboba).

2024 NIAA Women’s Division results: First place, Morongo Women, who were first last year; Second place, Misfits; third place, Rezilience; and fourth place Soboba Women (all California-based teams). Kali Sargent from Morongo Women’s team was named Most Valuable Player, MVP Pitcher was Alex Hernandez with the Misfits, and MVP Catcher was Jessica Manuelito of Rezilience.

Players who received All-Tournament honors were Cary Moone and Jackie Nelson from the Morongo Women, Raelyn Rodriguez-Magginni and Taliann Hunter from the Misfits, Arlene Stone and Michelle Pipkin from Rezilience, Annabelle Dixon and Stephanie Cooper-Dixon with the Soboba Women’s team and Tehauni Leal of the Red Arrows. Honorable mentions went to Alexandria Thomas, Pukaist Ladies; Kristi Castello, Dig It!; Jess Redhouse, OutKasts Fastpitch; and Berta Nejo, Old Pala.

“The biggest highlight is always when players and spectators come up to the committee or me to say ‘Great Tournament, Soboba is a great host’ or ‘We love coming to Soboba to play,’” Mojado said.

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Designed to help individuals and families recover, applicants must reside in an evacuation zone and meet Altura’s credit qualification criteria. The Wildfire Emergency Loan offers:

• 0% APR: No interest will be charged on these loans
• 90 Day Payment Grace Period: No Payments for the First 90 Days
• Loan Amount: Up to $1,500
• Term: 18 months

” We understand the hardships faced by individuals and families displaced or impacted by the wildfires,” said Jennifer Binkley-Heiting, President and CEO at Altura Credit Union. “By offering our Wildfire Emergency Loan, we can directly assist our members and the local community, providing some relief and support during this difficult time.”

To apply for a Wildfire Emergency Loan or learn more, please visit https://www.alturacu.com/EmergencyLoan or contact Altura Credit Union at 866-787-8634. We encourage you to share this information with anyone in an evacuation zone who might need assistance.

The Altura Credit Union team continues to look for ways to provide more one-of-a-kind experiences for their Members and for people living in Riverside County. Through sponsorships and community-based events, Altura hopes to strengthen its relationship with local communities and bring to life its mission of Enriching Lives and Empowering Dreams.

Altura has been a trusted partner to over 198,000 Members since 1957, offering all the services expected from a full-service financial institution, such as checking and savings accounts; auto loans; and home and personal loans.

For more information on Altura Credit Union, visit www.AlturaCU.com, or call 1-888-883-7228.

Visit us on Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, youtube, and twitter.

About Altura Credit Union: Since 1957, Altura Credit Union has been dedicated to serving the communities of Riverside County. With over 198,000 Members and twenty-three branches, we are committed to enriching the lives and empowering the dreams of our Members, communities, and employees. When you choose to be a Member, you’re choosing to be effective in your own backyard. We know how important it is to be there when it matters most, and we collectively choose to make every decision with the purpose of bettering the lives around us. Altura is so much more than a financial institution; we’re an institution that bridges community, care, people, and finances. To us, you’re more than a number; you’re our family, our friend, and our neighbor. Altura Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Riverside and San Diego counties; select cities in San Bernardino and Orange counties; as well as U.S. Military, U.S. Government and Civilian employees working at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County; and retirees of the United States Armed Forces. For more information on Altura, http://www.AlturaCU.com, or call 1-888-883-7228.

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At least a dozen people, mainly firefighters, were treated for injuries that were mostly heat-related, authorities said. One person from Orange County was burned. No deaths have been reported.

The wildfires have been endangering tens of thousands of homes and other structures across the region after they sprung to life during a triple-digit heat wave over the weekend. Other major fires were burning in Idaho, Oregon and Nevada, where about 20,000 people had to flee a blaze outside Reno.

In the tight-knit community of Wrightwood that sits on the Pacific Crest Trail, authorities implored residents to evacuate the exploding Bridge Fire, which burned more than a dozen homes in the area.

Resident Erin Arias said she was racing up the mountain when she got the sudden order to leave and did, grabbing her passport and dog. On Wednesday, she and her husband doused water on the roof of their still-standing home. Their cat was missing, she said.

“It’s absolutely scary,” Arias said, looking at the burned embers of her neighbor’s home. “We’re really lucky.”

UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain said the fire moved extraordinarily fast across complex terrain, likely giving Wrightwood residents less time to evacuate than usual and surprising even seasoned fire officials.

The Bridge Fire “had to go up mountain sides, burn down slope, jump across valleys, burn across new ridges, and then make it down slope again at least two other times in effectively one burning period,” he said.

California is only now heading into the teeth of the wildfire season but already has seen nearly three times as much acreage burn than during all of 2023. The White House said President Joe Biden was monitoring the wildfires in the West and urged residents to heed state and local evacuation orders.

Cooler temperatures were expected to potentially start tempering fire activity as the week progresses.

The full extent of the damage was not immediately known as firefighters battled multiple fires simultaneously. The three blazes include:

— The Airport Fire in Orange County that burned over 35 square miles (91 square kilometers). The fire was 5% contained Wednesday night and was reportedly sparked by heavy equipment operating in the area. Orange County Fire Capt. Steve Concialdi said eight firefighters were injured, mostly heat-related. One resident suffered smoke inhalation and another burns, he said. Several homes burned in El Cariso Village.

— The Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest that was 18% contained Wednesday and charred 57 square miles (148 square kilometers). The blaze injured three firefighters. Authorities said it was caused by arson in Highland. A suspect was arrested Tuesday.

— The Bridge Fire east of Los Angeles that grew tenfold in a day, burning 78 square miles (202 square kilometers) and torching at least 33 homes and six cabins and forcing the evacuation of 10,000 people. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. It was zero percent contained Wednesday night.

With so many fires raging at once, crews were at their limits, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said.

“As a region, we’re currently at drawdown for fire personnel and resources,” he said, adding that authorities have requested assistance from Northern California and nearby states.

Gov. Gavin Newsom sent National Guard troops in to help with evacuations.

In El Cariso Village, a community of 250 along Highway 74 in Riverside County, an Associated Press photographer saw at least 10 homes and several cars engulfed in flames.

Kevin Fetterman, Orange County Fire Authority Incident Commander, said the blaze has been difficult to tame because of the terrain and dry conditions and because some areas hadn’t burned in decades.

More than 5,500 homes in Riverside County were under evacuation orders, affecting more than 19,000 residents. Several recreational cabins and structures in the Cleveland National Forest were damaged.

In San Bernardino County, some 65,600 homes and buildings were under threat by the Line Fire, and residents along the southern edge of Big Bear Lake were told to leave Tuesday.

The Line Fire blanketed the area with a thick cloud of dark smoke, which provided shade for firefighters trying to get ahead of winds expected later Wednesday, said Fabian Herrera, a spokesperson for the Line Fire.

A man from the town of Norco suspected of starting the Line Fire on Sept. 5 was arrested and charged with arson, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said. Officials did not specify what was used to start the fire.

Investigators collected evidence from the delivery driver’s vehicle and home that suggests he could have been involved in starting other fires, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said Wednesday.

On the Nevada border with California near Reno, the Davis Fire forced thousands of people to evacuate over the weekend, destroyed one home and a dozen structures and charred nearly 9 square miles (23 square kilometers) of timber and brush along the Sierra Nevada’s eastern front.

Rich Meyr and Evelyn Kelley were the first arrivals at an evacuation center set up Wednesday at a recreation center in south Reno. Both said they refused to evacuate previous fires but decided to play it safe this time.

“My son’s wedding is Saturday. I threw all the flowers and gowns in the RV and we left. It looks like a garden shop inside that RV,” Kelley said. “But who wants to burn alive?”

More than 600 firefighters kept the blaze from growing Wednesday despite high winds that grounded all aircraft that had dropped retardant on the flames over the past two days. The fire was about 30% contained Wednesday night.

Elsewhere, a Colorado man was charged with arson after an investigation into a wildfire this summer that destroyed 29 homes and caused more than $30 million in property damage near Loveland, Colorado.

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Thayer reported from El Cariso Village, Taxin from Santa Ana, California, and Rodriguez from San Francisco. Associated Press writers Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada, Amy Hanson in Helena, Montana, Jaimie Ding in Los Angeles and Thomas Peipert in Denver contributed.

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