Crime & Safety
South OC Brush Fire Doused Thanks To Aggressive Fire Response
The blaze ignited in Rancho Mission Viejo Thursday and was quickly put out thanks to the efforts of firefighters.
RANCHO MISSION VIEJO, CA — Firefighters doused a brush fire that was reported on the Ortega Highway traveling east through Rancho Mission Viejo Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
The brush fire was reported on the left shoulder of the Ortega Highway at 11:49 a.m. near Gateway Place, according to the California Highway Patrol log.
Quick work by all. Investigators are on scene. Thank you to @CHPCapistrano & @OCSheriff. And, thank you @CALFIRERRU Los Piños Fire Center handcrew firefighters who were on the Ortega Hwy returning from another fire, stopped at this fire, & put in some strong work. 👊 pic.twitter.com/CLkzqwWcwh
— OCFA PIO (@OCFireAuthority) June 16, 2022
Orange County fire crews, Cal Fire and a Los Piñas Center fire hand crew worked to quell the flames while California Highway Patrol officers diverted traffic and closed all lanes on the Ortega Highway.
Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
At 2:14 p.m., all lanes on the highway were reopened, according to the CHP log.
The Orange County Fire Authority reported that fire crews were able to hold the blaze at a quarter of an acre before dousing it completely.
Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, and CHP reports show that an arson investigator was reported to have been at the site.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
