Firefighters ID Possible Cause Behind Rancho Fire In Laguna Beach; Evacuation Orders Updated

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A brush fire that may have been ignited by fireworks scorched about three acres in Laguna Beach Monday, threatening homes and prompting evacuation orders, but there were no reports of injuries.

The fire was reported at 2:15 p.m. Monday near Rancho Laguna Road and Morningside Drive and moved uphill, driven by the thick brush, fire authorities said. By 7:50 p.m., firefighters had gained the upper hand on the blaze, and all evacuation orders were lifted and roadways reopened.

"All roadways are reopened, so our residents can repopulate and go back to their homes," said Laguna Beach Police Department Chief Jeff Calvert.

Firefighters halted forward progress on the blaze, dubbed the Rancho Fire, just before 5:15 p.m., according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

The blaze prompted authorities to briefly issue mandatory evacuations for homes on La Mirada Street, Katella Street, Summit Drive and Baja Street.

Hand crews would remain active throughout the night monitoring and mopping up hot spots, said Fire Chief Niko King. Though the blaze broke out in steep, dense terrain, the flames licked a hillside bordering several homes, forcing crews to mount an aggressive fight to keep the flames from reaching homes.

"We're making tremendous progress,"Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Sean Doran said shortly after the fire broke out Monday, adding the air attack helped slow the flames.

King praised the Orange County Fire Authority and neighboring departments for helping.

"It was great we had air resources come in a few minutes," King said. "But this is still a very dynamic situation. We're asking people to not go to the fire and stay clear."

The mild winds also helped, but the steep canyon topography remained an issue as the flames surged uphill toward residents.

By 8 p.m. Monday, all roadways were reopened, but earlier in the day as the flames raced uphill, portions of South Coast Highway, Bluebird Canyon and Summit drives, and Alta Vista and Glenneyre Street were closed.

An evacuation center for people impacted by the Rancho Fire in Laguna Beach was established at the Susi Q Center at 380 Third St.

The cause of the fire was not confirmed, but Mayor Alex Rounaghi said in a video update posted on social media that the fire was "suspected to be caused by fireworks." No other details were immediately released.

No further information was immediately available.

SEE ALSO: Laguna Beach Fire Map: Rancho Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas

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City News Service contributed to this report.