The Airport Fire, one of three significant wildfires currently raging in Southern California, continues on its third day. A timelapse from a weather station caught the swift spread of the flames throughout Orange and Riverside counties.

On Tuesday, the wildfire advanced through the Cleveland National Forest and up Santiago Peak, where various cameras at communication towers documented the fire’s progress. The timelapse video illustrates the rapid surge of flames through a steep canyon, eventually consuming the area.

Despite the fire’s spread, there have been no reports of disruptions to communications in the region.

Ongoing Situation of the Airport Fire

By Wednesday afternoon, the Airport Fire, which ignited on September 9, had charred approximately 22,376 acres, as reported by Cal Fire. The fire is named after a small site for flying remote-controlled planes close to Trabuco Canyon, where it was first detected. According to the Palm Springs Desert Sun, it reportedly started inadvertently when an Orange County Public Works crew used heavy machinery to move boulders.

“The fire is considered unintentional, caused by a spark from heavy machinery,” stated Orange County Fire Authority Deputy Chief TJ McGovern, as mentioned in the Palm Springs Desert Sun. “After loading the boulders, they noticed smoke rising from the loader’s basket.”

As of Wednesday, two firefighters had been treated for heat-related ailments, and a third individual received care for smoke-related breathing issues. Additionally, two hikers were rescued from a trail near the fire outbreak area.

Thousands of residents living near the Santa Ana Mountains in Orange and Riverside counties have already evacuated or are making plans to leave as the fire remains active.

Janet Wilson contributed to this article.