Thousands Evacuated As Aliso Fire Grows

ALISO VIEJO, CA -- A wind-driven wildfire erupted Saturday afternoon in Aliso Viejo, sending plumes of smoke across the region and prompting evacuations in two cities. The fire was reported at 1:07 p.m. in the Aliso Woods Canyon near Laguna Beach.

More than 400 firefighters from the Orange County Fire Authority and other agencies were at the scene working to control the 250-acre blaze. As of 8 p.m., the blaze, which injured one firefighter, was not contained.

Fire behavior was termed "extreme'' and canyon winds were "erratic," officials said.

Evacuations were ordered for thousands of homes in the Laguna Beach neighborhoods of Top of the World and Old Top of the World, as well as, residents in the city of Aliso Viejo. The evacuees were sent to the Susi Q Center and Aliso Niguel High School. The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter was also evacuated, officials said.

Costa Mesa High School was scheduled to hold its prom Saturday at Soka University and that event was postponed one week as the fire threatened the campus, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District said.

Both ends of Wood Canyon Road were closed and residents who left their homes were not allowed to return due to smoke and ash, and a need to keep roads clear for first responders.

Anyone who needs assistance is urged to call the Laguna Beach Police Department at 949-407-0701. Any residents looking for information can call the city of Aliso Viejo at 714-628-7085.

--City News Service contributed to this report/Photo courtesy of Orange County Fire Authority