LAGUNA NIGUEL, ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. — 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 in 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. Officials estimated approximately 183 acres of land on fire.
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.
Ocean winds with 16-mph gusts fanned the flames, pushing uphill and advancing onto Aliso Summit Trail, and disbursed smoldering embers, which often ignite homes near and far.
Scott Burt/KNX
Evacuations began voluntarily but quickly became mandatory for some neighborhoods. Fixed-wing planes released fire retardant on the hillside as first responders also deployed water-dropping helicopters.
Those in the area said it was difficult to breathe and the smoke burned their eyes.
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.
At least 40 deputies were on the ground helping to facilitate evacuations.
Evacuations are in place for the following communities and streets:
- Coronado point
- 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
The City News Service contributed to this report.
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