LAGUNA NIGUEL, ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (KNX) — Strong winds proved to be a ferocious enemy as a rapidly growing brush and vegetation fire burned through a south Orange County neighborhood. Homes in the high-priced hillside estates with ocean views burned as mandatory evacuations were issued for residents on Coronado Pointe, where nearly every house seemed to be ablaze.
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By 5:30 p.m., residents reported roughly a dozen homes ablaze because of the Coastal Fire. Officials estimated approximately 183 acres of land on fire.
Evacuations began voluntarily but quickly became mandatory for some neighborhoods. Authorities told communities near Pacific Island Drive and Coronado Pointe to evacuate about an hour earlier, Laguna Niguel Police tweeted. The fire was reported shortly before 3 p.m., Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Sean Doran said.
See the full evacuation list below.
At least 40 deputies from the Laguna Niguel Police Services, provided by contract with the Orange County Sheriff's Department, were on the ground helping to facilitate evacuations. They went house-to-house on Coronado Pointe and Via La Rosas, as about 100 houses were evacuated. Roads were shut down. Police also issued wireless emergency alerts.
The city set up a temporary shelter for residents as Coronado Point was evacuated at Crown Valley Community Center (29751 Crown Valley Pkwy). Those with questions should call City Hall at 949-362-4300 or the County Hotline Number at 714-628-7085.
Residents in the area said it was difficult to breathe, and the smoke burned their eyes.
Ocean winds with 20-mph gusts fanned the flames, pushing the inferno uphill and advancing onto Aliso Summit Trail. Smoldering embers disbursed, igniting other homes nearby.
Fixed-wing planes released fire retardant on the hillside as first responders also deployed water-dropping helicopters. In addition, firefighters from neighboring cities like Los Angeles and San Diego deployed to assist the firefighting efforts.
“Five to 10 years ago, a fire like this would’ve been put out quickly,” said Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Hennessy during a press conference Wednesday night. Hennessy blamed climate change and arid vegetation beds for the small fire’s exponential growth and devastation in such a short period.
“This has become our new normal,” he added. “You can expect more of this.”
Underscoring his point, Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett noted this was the second fire in her district this year. The Emerald Fire burned more than 100 acres in Laguna Beach in February.
Evacuations are in place for the following communities and streets:
- Coronado Pointe
- La Vue
- Vista Montemar
- Sienna Vista
- Sierra Vista
- Alta Terra
- Novacella
- Seriana
- Avante
- Tamarron
- Teracina
- Isla las Ave.
- Capri Court
- Sonerisa
- Chapala Ct.
- Arelo Ct.
- Anamonte
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