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Firefighters make progress on wildfires burning across Southern California

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Firefighters make progress on wildfires burning across Southern California

Firefighters are making significant progress on the flurry of wildfires that ignited across Southern California within the last week, during a period of dry, windy weather.

Firefighters say they’re now in the mop-up phase of battling the region’s largest active wildfire, the Santa Rosa Island Fire. The fire has grown to nearly 18,400 acres since it started on May 15.

The Santa Rosa Island Fire is the largest ever recorded on the Channel Islands. Investigators say the fire was started by an emergency flare fired by a man who crashed his sailboat into the island. 

Two uninhabited historic structures have been lost to the fire: The Johnson’s Lee Equipment Shed on the western end of the island, and Wreck Line Camp Cabin on the eastern end, National Park Service officials said.

The Sandy Fire in Ventura County is now 61% contained after burning nearly 2,200 acres in Simi Valley. The fire started on May 18, and has destroyed at least one home.

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The Sandy Fire prompted the Simi Valley Unified School District to shutter all of its schools for almost a week. The district announced Friday that the schools will reopen on May 26. The district said that the closures will not result in a longer school year.

“We will not need to extend the school year to make up for the days schools were closed due to the fire emergency,” the Simi Valley Unified School District announced Friday. “The district intends to seek the appropriate state waiver related to attendance and instructional minutes resulting from a widespread public emergency.”

Firefighters are silhouetted walking amid the firing operation to control the Sandy Fire, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

See details for all the major fires burning across Southern California below:

Santa Rosa Island Fire

  • Location: Channel Islands National Park
  • Size: 18,379 acres
  • Containment: 72% contained
  • Date started: May 15

Sandy Fire

  • Location: Ventura County
  • Size: 2,183 acres
  • Containment: 61% contained
  • Date started: May 18

Bain Fire

  • Location: Riverside County
  • Size: 1,497 acres
  • Containment: 81% contained
  • Date started: May 19

Verona Fire

  • Location: Riverside County
  • Size: 648 acres
  • Containment: 67% contained
  • Date started: May 19

Tusil Fire

  • Location: San Diego County
  • Size: 820 acres
  • Containment: 100% contained
  • Date started: May 19

Alta Fire 

  • Location: Los Angeles County
  • Size: 334 acres
  • Containment: 0% contained
  • Date started: May 21

Los Angeles, Ca

Southern California hits hottest day of its extreme heat warning

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Southern California hits hottest day of its extreme heat warning

Southern California remains under an extreme heat warning as residents brace for the hottest day of the week on Wednesday.

“It will be roasty toasty in the valleys, lower mountain elevations and far interior, with highs ranging from 100 to 110 degrees,” the National Weather Service said. The warmest conditions are expected in the western San Fernando Valley.

An extreme heat warning remains in effect for much of Southern California until 8 p.m. Thursday. Forecasters say there is a high risk of heat-related illness for anyone outdoors for extended periods. Heat advisories are also in place for areas along the coast.

“Highs for today: 98 in Ojai, 100 in Ontario. Temecula, good morning to you, 100 degrees expected there. 112 in Palm Springs. Unbelievably hot,” KTLA’s Kirk Hawkins said Wednesday morning.

Southern California will be under an extreme heat warning from July 14-16, 2026. (National Weather Service)

Residents are urged to adjust their afternoon plans to limit strenuous outdoor activities during the heat of the day, stay hydrated and check in on elderly neighbors and loved ones.

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The Weather Service said record highs are slightly warmer than those forecast for Wednesday. As a result, despite the extremely hot conditions, few, if any, temperature records are expected to be broken.

A few degrees of cooling are expected Thursday, but a more significant cooldown will arrive Friday as onshore winds increase.

Afternoon highs are expected to cool even more over the weekend, with below-average temperatures possible in some areas.

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Stabbing at Chino Hills liquor store ends in attempted murder arrest

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Stabbing at Chino Hills liquor store ends in attempted murder arrest

A Chino Hills man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a violent incident at a local liquor store, authorities announced Tuesday.

The July 13 incident occurred around 5 p.m. in the 4000 block of Descanso Avenue, according to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, which responded to reports of a stabbing at the location.

Arriving deputies found a stabbing victim inside the store and rendered medical aid until personnel with the Chino Valley Fire District arrived. The victim was transported to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition.

While being treated at the scene, investigators said the victim repeatedly stated that someone named Alex was responsible for the attack.

A 30-year-old man was arrested after stabbing inside a liquor store in the 4000 block of Descanso Avenue on July 13, 2026. (Google)

The suspect, now identified as Hayden Alexander Marquez, 30, was located not far from the liquor store and taken into custody, sheriff’s officials said.

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Investigators did not provide a motive for the stabbing or detail the relationship between the two men.

Marquez was booked into the West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of attempted murder.

Anyone with information about the investigation is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Station at 909-364-2000. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip hotline at 800-78-CRIME or submit tips online at www.wetip.com.

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Big rig crash spills cinder blocks on 101 Freeway; lanes blocked in Tarzana

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Big rig crash spills cinder blocks on 101 Freeway; lanes blocked in Tarzana

An early morning crash involving a big rig scattered cinder blocks across the northbound 101 Freeway, prompting a SigAlert in the San Fernando Valley Tuesday. The incident was reported around 4:10 a.m. when a big rig overturned on the freeway at Tampa Avenue. The crash occurred on a stretch of the northbound 101 that curves […]

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