LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. (KNX) – Firefighters are working to contain the fires that swept across Laguna Niguel, causing evacuations and damaging at least 20 multimillion-dollar homes.
The Coastal Fire was first reported at 2:44 p.m. Wednesday, according to Orange County Fire Authority Captain Sean Doran.
The fire swept through Aliso Wood Canyon, between Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel. Evacuations were put in place for various communities and streets, including Coronado Pointe, Novacella and Sierra Vista among others.
According to Orange County Fire Authority Assistant Chief of Operations T.J. McGovern, the fire burned up to 200 acres.
During a presser Thursday morning, officials said the containment number is 0%; however, they said they are working to determine the exact number.
McGovern also said during a press conference Thursday morning that one firefighter was hospitalized for injuries from the fire. The identity and the extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.
The cause of the fire is still unknown at this time, but a report released by Southern California Edison Wednesday night revealed, “circuit activity occurring close in time to the reported time of the fire.”
On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help in the fight against the fire.
Most Laguna Beach Unified District schools and offices were expected to be open. Students at Moulton Elementary School in Laguna Niguel, however, will be taking classes at Wood Canyon Elementary, officials said.
EVACUATIONS:
At this time, evacuations are still in place for the areas of Coronado Point and Pacific Island Drive, CBS L.A. reported.
New mandatory evacuations were issued for neighborhoods accessed from Niguel Road.
Evacuation and road closure information can be found here: https://ocsheriff.gov/coastalfire
RESOURCES:
Temporary shelter: Crown Valley Community Center at 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy.
Public Information Hotline: (714) 628-7085
Mission Viejo Animal Evacuation Services – (949) 470-3045 Extension 0
City Hall Number for those to volunteer to help or donate food and resources: (949) 362-4300
Email: lnfire@cityoflagunaniguel.org
City News Service contributed to this report.
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