A wind-driven brush fire has consumed 125 acres and was threatening structures near a canyon between Aliso Viejo and Laguna Beach Saturday, authorities said.
The fire was reported at 1:07 p.m. in Wood Canyon behind Soka University of America, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Tony Bommarito said.
By 2:50 p.m., the fire had grown to 50-plus acres and threatened structures at Soka University and the Top of the World neighborhood of Laguna Beach, Bommarito said. About 4:15 p.m. the OCFA reported the fire had grown to more than 75 acres and Laguna Beach police reported it had grown to 125 acres at about 4:45 p.m. Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft were making water drops but there was no containment.
More than 275 firefighters were battling the blaze including multiple engines in place for structure defense, he said. Fire behavior was termed “extreme” and canyon winds were “erratic,” firefighters said.
Evacuations were ordered at Top of the World, Bommarito said. No injuries were reported.
About 1500 residents were evaucated from Top of the World and the Old Top of the World and the evacuees were sent to the Susi Q Center at 380 Third St. in Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach police said.
Both ends of Wood Canyon Road were closed and residents who left their homes were not allowed to return due to smoke and ash and a need to keep roads clear for first responders.