'Fast-Moving' Blaze Burns Near Laguna Niguel Homes; OC Firefighters Attack

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — A fast-moving brush fire broke out in Laguna Niguel Wednesday, Aug. 20., threatening nearby homes and triggering a swift response from Orange County firefighters and deputies.

RELATED: Laguna Niguel Fire Map: See Beacon Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas

The fire was reported shortly at 3:26 p.m. Wednesday to the Orange County Fire Authority.

According to firefighters, the fire was a reported two acres and was burning in the area of Alcott Place and Ridgeway Avenue in Laguna Niguel when the report was made.

The blaze, dubbed the Beacon Fire, threatened nearby homes in the Beacon Hills community of Laguna Niguel, firefighters said.

Officials ordered evacuations for residents along Copps Hill Street. A shelter in place order was put in place for Middleton Place and Alcott while firefighters battled steep terrain to quell the blaze.

A temporary shelter was set up at Crown Valley Community Center at 29751 Crown Valley Parkway for evacuated residents.

Forward progress on the fire was stopped as of 5 p.m., according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

Orange County firefighters worked in unified command with the OCSD, more than 150 firefighters from the OCFA and partnering agencies. The effort was supported by an OCFA FIREHAWK, an OCFA Bell 412 helicopter, a QRF helicopter and ground crews, the department said.