Officials said that the Emerald Fire, which erupted in Southern California’s brush-covered hills early Thursday morning, quickly grew to almost 150 acres. It temporarily forced evacuations in Laguna Beach.
The fire was reported at 4:45 a.m. and an emergency evacuation order was issued for Irvine Cove, north and south Emerald Bay.
Evacuation warnings were issued to areas closer to downtown Laguna Beach.
At 3:00 p.m. the Emerald Fire had 10 percent contain, and the evacuation order was lifted. An evacuation warning is in effect for all areas , according to the Laguna Beach government resource.
Laguna Beach Police Department advised residents to evacuate immediately if they feel threatened. Do not wait for official notification.
Brian Fennessy, Orange County Fire Authority, stated at a 9:30 AM news conference that although the fire did not explode in size but that mapping had improved.
“We are trying to keep the fire going east of Emerald Canyon. Fennessy stated that the fire is a little lower than Emerald Canyon at the moment, and that the flames are moving towards north.
The city released a press release saying that homes are at risk and more structures could be threatened if the fire spreads.
Fennessy said that the blaze was not surprising because of the extreme heat in Orange County with temperatures reaching the 80s, dry weather, and Santa Ana winds blowing through the region.
Fennessy stated, “I’m very content where we are at the moment and keeping fire’s growth to an absolute minimum.”
The Orange County Fire Authority stated that approximately 375 firefighters worked together to control the fire, along with five helicopters, ten strike teams of fire engines and four hand crews.
Fennessy stated that no structures were damaged and that there are no reports of injuries to civilians or firefighters.
He thanked Emerald Bay for providing “defensible spaces, which allow us to better protect your home.”
He stated that this fire is the only one in California and first responders have the resources to target it.
He pointed out that the last fire that erupted in the area was in 1993. Many structures were damaged.
The Pacific Coast Highway was temporarily closed in both directions, but was reopened before noon.
It is not known how the fire started.
The fire is occurring as an heat advisory is in effect for Orange County through Sunday, and a high winds warning for the region until Thursday afternoon
