A brush fire that may have been ignited by fireworks scorched about four acres in Laguna Beach Monday, threatening homes and prompting evacuation orders, but there were no reports of injuries.
The blaze broke out at around 2:15 p.m. near Rancho Laguna Road and Morningside Drive and moved uphill, driven by the thick brush, fire authorities said. Fire crews were positioned to protect structures along Summit Drive and at Ensenada Avenue and Miramar Street, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.
The progress of the blaze was halted just before 5:15 p.m., Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Sean Doran said.
“We’re making tremendous progress,” Doran said, adding the air attack helped slow the flames.
The mild winds also helped, but the topography remained an issue as the flames marched uphill toward homes, Doran said.
Mayor Alex Rounaghi said in a videotaped announcement that fireworks appear to have caused the blaze but he had no further details.
Laguna Beach Fire Department Chief Niko King praised the Orange County Fire Authority and neighboring departments for helping.
“It was great we had air resources come in a few minutes,” King said. “But this is still a very dynamic situation… We’re asking people to not go to the fire and stay clear.”
An evacuation order was issued for residents on Summit Drive and La Mirada, Katella and Baja streets, according to city officials. An evacuation warning was in place for the area south of Del Mar in Arch Beach Heights.
Just after 7:30 p.m. Monday, officials announced that the evacuation orders were lifted but urged residents to exercise caution while returning home.
An evacuation center was set up at the Community and Susi Q Center at 380 Third St.
Some temporary closures were also lifted including the northbound lanes on Pacific Coast Highway at Crown Valley Parkway and southbound lanes at Broadway.
Laguna Canyon Road heading into Laguna Beach was also reopened on Monday evening.