Evacuations were ordered as at least 20 homes burned in a Laguna Niguel neighborhood where a wildfire fanned by ocean winds scorched a brush-covered hillside.
Evacuations were ordered in the Coronado Pointe and Pacific Island Drive areas, while voluntary evacuation orders were issued in the Balboa Nyes and Moulton Meadows neighborhoods in Laguna Beach. Students taking part in after-school activities at Laguna Beach High School were also evacuated, according to the school district.
The fire was reported at 2:44 p.m., Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Sean Doran said. The fire grew to 200 acres by 6 p.m.
Flames reached several multimillion-dollar estates on a hillside overlooking the ocean.
A home was gutted in the Coastal Fire in Laguna Niguel. Vikki Vargas reports for the NBC4 News on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.
Water-dropping aircraft were part of the fight against the Coastal Fire in Aliso Woods Canyon.
Details about how the fire started were not immediately available.
The fire is burning below a neighborhood at the top of the canyon. As flames climbed the canyon wall, thick smoke drifted over the neighborhood.
The fire tore through thick brush as it burned uphill toward Aliso Summit Trail and the neighboring homes.
The fire was burning along Laguna Niguel in Orange County. Alex Vasquez reports for the NBC4 News on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.
The area is between Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel. Smoke could be seen for miles along the Orange and Los Angeles county coasts.
Deputies were asking residents on San Simeon, Sierrra Vista, Alta Terra, Nucella, Serana, Avante, Tanarron, Teracina, Islands Avenue, Capri Court, Sunrisa Lane, Chapala Court, Arelu Court and Anamonte to evacuate.
An evacuation center was established at the Laguna Niguel Community Center at 28751 Crown Valley Parkway, Steinle said.
Check here for an interactive map of evacuations, road closures and shelters for the Coastal Fire in Orange County.
