OC firefighters save bald eagles, horses from Airport Fire

Firefighters battling the Airport Fire in Orange County saved the home of a special couple: Willow and Scout, a pair of bald eagles.

The eagles, who live in a 100-pound nest on a treetop in Trabuco Canyon, gave birth to some hatchlings this spring who have already left home. The fire’s perimeter got very close to the nest, but firefighters were able to save it from any damage.

“Willow survived. In fact, Willow was spotted yesterday,” said Orange County Fire Captain Steve Concialdi.

Firefighters are keeping an eye on the nest as they continue to dig containment lines. Concialdi said the tree has been flagged so that firefighters and the public have to stay 330 feet away.

Fire crews also saved several horses that were trapped at home near Ortega Highway, even driving a fire truck up to their pen to give them badly needed water.

“Firefighters pulled the hose line, they put water in just one of those large troughs for the horses to drink, and they started drinking from it,” Concialdi said.

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As of Friday morning, the Airport Fire had burned 23,519 acres and was 42% contained. Orange County officials have launched a website to help affected residents access resources, and an assistance center is open at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo.

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