A wind- and terrain-driven fire chewed through brush in Aliso Wood Canyon between Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach Wednesday, with the flames advancing toward high-dollar hillside estates overlooking the ocean, burning at least six multimillion-dollar homes.
The Coastal Fire was reported at 2:44 p.m., Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Sean Doran said. The fire originated near the South Orange County Wastewater Authority’s Coastal Treatment Plant, which handles sewage for the Laguna Beach area, said Orange County sheriff’s Sgt. Scott Steinle.
The fire was estimated to be about three acres as of 3:30 p.m., but spread to at least 30 acres by 5 p.m. Thirty minutes later, crews on scene estimated the fire’s size at 150 acres with no containment.
At least six homes were burned, Steinle said. Reports from the scene tallied as many as a dozen homes ablaze as the wind pushed flames from one rooftop to the next.
The flames spread quickly as they tore through thick brush on the hillside, aided by ocean winds that sparked spot fires ahead of the main blaze. The fire pushed its way uphill, advancing on Aliso Summit Trail and into the neighboring multimillion-dollar estates.
Multiple structures caught fire in the 30300 block of La Vue near the Aliso Summit Trail, with others along Coronado Pointe also burning.
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
The flames advanced even as fixed-wing planes dropped fire retardant on the hillside in hopes of slowing the advance of the flames. Several water-dropping helicopters were also being employed in the firefight.
Evacuations were ordered in the Coronado Pointe and Pacific Island Drive areas, while voluntary evacuation orders were issued in the Balboa Nyes and Moulton Meadows neighborhoods in Laguna Beach. Students taking part in after-school activities at Laguna Beach High School were also evacuated, according to the school district.
Deputies were asking residents on San Simeon, Sierrra Vista, Alta Terra, Nucella, Serana, Avante, Tanarron, Teracina, Islands Avenue, Capri Court, Sunrisa Lane, Chapala Court, Arelu Court and Anamonte to evacuate. They were being taken to the Laguna Niguel Community Center at 28751 Crown Valley Parkway, Steinle said.