Wildfire Lays Down Overnight, But Fierce Firefight Continues In Anaheim Hills

ANAHEIM HILLS (CBSLA) — With winds easing overnight and humidity returning to the area, firefighters have made progress against Canyon Fire 2 in Anaheim Hills, and authorities said Tuesday evening that the Tustin Police Department announced that the Tustin Ranch evacuations had been lifted.

The Canyon Fire 2 has burned 8,000 acres and is 40 percent contained as of Tuesday, Anaheim police Sgt. Daron Wyatt said. Authorities say 30 structures have been damaged or destroyed.

"The fire was fairly inactive last night on the western edge, but was still active on the eastern edge of the fire," Wyatt said. "That's the main area of concern right now, as we have open area leading to the Cleveland National Forest."

Fire officials say Anaheim residents evacuated due to the Canyon Fire 2 will be allowed to return to their homes at 7 p.m.

Five thousand homes in three cities were evacuated as the fire spread Monday, and Wyatt emphasized that evacuation orders remain in effect because 5,000 homes are still threatened by the fire.

"We want to get you back into your homes as quickly as possible, we want to repopulate, but we don't want you going back in and then need us to re-evacuate you," Wyatt said.

CBS2's Randy Paige spoke to devastated homeowners who were just grateful to be OK. 

One Neighborhood Left With Charred Embers Of 7 Homes

Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer was among those evacuated.

"People are waking up today, saying, "How am I going to start my life all over again?'" he said. "But this community is going to pull together for them, we're going to be there for everybody."

The fire broke Monday before 11 a.m. and burned 25 acres. The fire was whipped up by Santa Ana winds, quickly tearing through 6,000 acres by Monday night and burning homes, seven on one block alone.

A state of emergency was issued for Orange County by Gov. Jerry Brown.

More than 1,000 firefighters, 14 helicopters and six fixed-wing aircraft were on the scene holding the line on the fire, with more on the way, Wyatt said.

The 241 Toll Road remains closed until further notice, and dozens of schools in the area remain closed Tuesday.

Residents Urged To Stay Out While Hot Spots Are Mopped Up

Homeowners Assess Fire Damage

People in one Orange neighborhood got their first look at the damage done to their homes from the Canyon Fire 2. Click here to watch Dave Lopez's report.

Families Recovering After Losing Homes In Canyon Fire 2

A somber homecoming took place Tuesday for more than two dozen families who lost so much in the Canyon Fire 2. Click here to watch Tom Wait's report.