A wind-driven brush fire that consumed about 150 acres of brushy hillsides and a canyon between Aliso Viejo and Laguna Beach was 40 percent contained by a ring of cleared vegetation Sunday and all evacuation orders were lifted, authorities said.
About 400 firefighters continued to work to clear vegetation and put out hot spots and investigators trying to determine the cause of the fire were asking for the public to call1-800-222-TIPS (8477) if they can provide information.
The last evacuees from Laguna Beach’s Top Of The World neighborhood about two miles west of the fire lines were allowed to return home, Laguna Beach police said.
No structures were damaged and none were threatened as of Sunday night.
The fire was reported at 1:07 p.m. Saturday in Wood Canyon behind Soka University of America, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Tony Bommarito said.
By 6:30 p.m. Saturday the fire reportedly had consumed 250 acres, Bommarito said. That figure had been reduced to 200 acres by 8:40 p.m. Saturday and 150 acres Sunday.
The fire threatened structures at Soka University of America and the Top of the World neighborhood of Laguna Beach.
Six air tankers and four helicopters made drops of water and fire retardant along the perimeter of the fire late Saturday afternoon, Bommarito said. Two helicopters remained battling the flames after sunset, as air support was crucial to keeping the fire at bay.
Three injuries were reported, including a firefighter who suffered a minor leg injury Saturday, the OCFA said.
Mandatory evacuations began at 5:30 p.m. Saturday in Aliso Viejo affecting about 2,000 homes in the area of Wood Canyon and Pacific Park drives. an evacuation shelter opened at Aliso Niguel High School, 28000 Wolverine Way, the City of Aliso Viejo said. Those evacuations were lifted at 9 p.m. after the fire no longer threatened the homes.
About 1,500 residents were evacuated from Top of the World and the Old Top of the World neighborhoods above Laguna Beach Saturday, police said.
Classes were cancelled for Monday at Top of the World Elementary school, authorities said.
Costa Mesa High School’s prom scheduled for Saturday night at Soka University was postponed a week, according to the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.