A brush fire in Laguna Beach has grown to impact over 200 acres of land, leading to the evacuation of 2,000 nearby homes. The fire is believed to have started Saturday afternoon, local time, below the Top of the World scenic lookout point, close to Soka University of America.
What happened?
Around 5:30 P.M. local time, mandatory evacuations were put in place in the areas of Wood Canyon and Pacific Park in the city of Aliso Viejo, as well as in the Top of the World neighborhood in Laguna Beach.
According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, over 275 firefighters were battling the flames, with airplanes were dropping fire retardant. Strong winds in the area complicated the work the firefighters were trying to perform; containment was at 0% as of 5:30 P.M. local time
What are officials saying about the fire?
On their official Twitter account, the Orange County Fire Authority issued the following statements:
“Aliso Fire: 75+ acres. 0% containment. 275 + firefighters onscene. Unified Command with OCFA, OCSD, OC Parks and Cal Fire. Evacuations ongoing in the Top of the World neighborhoods in Laguna Beach. No injuries reported. No structures damaged [sic].”
“Aliso Fire: Extreme Fire behavior with erratic canyon winds.”
“Aliso Fire: Mandatory evacuations beginning in the City of Aliso Viejo in the area of Wood Canyon and Pacific Park to Wood Canyon and Laurel. Approx 2000 homes.”
“Aliso Fire: Fire now at 200 acres.”
The post was also accompanied by videos showing smoke and flames billowing over the hillsides, with a firefighter aiming a hose into a canyon.
At this time, there are no known injuries or damage that was reported being connected to the fire.
On social media, the fire was referred to as both the “Laguna Beach Brush Fire” and the “Aliso Fire.”
As this story is developing, more information will be updated as made available.