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Aliso Fire Evacuation Orders Remain In Effect For Laguna Beach Residents, Lifted In Aliso Viejo

LAGUNA BEACH (CBSLA) -- Thousands of Orange County residents were forced to evacuate their homes Saturday due to a wind-driven brush fire that had burned hundreds of acres and was threatening structures, authorities said.

The Aliso Fire, which was downgraded in acreage from 250 to 120 acres at around 8:40 p.m., was first reported at 1:07 p.m. in Wood Canyon behind Soka University, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Tony Bommarito said.

Around 1,500 residents in Laguna Beach's Top of the World and Old Top of the World neighborhoods as well as a number of Aliso Viejo residents were forced to evacuate their homes Saturday. However, as of 9 p.m. Saturday night, mandatory evacuations were lifted for those living in Aliso Viejo.

According to Aliso Viejo city officials, mandatory evacuations began at 5:30 p.m. in Aliso Viejo, affecting nearly 2,000 homes in the area of Wood Canyon and Pacific Park drives. An evacuation shelter was set up at Aliso Niguel High School at 28000 Wolverine Way.

Residents from Laguna Beach's Top of the World and the Old Top of the World neighborhoods were sent to the Susi Q Center at 380 Third St. in Laguna Beach.

Multiple fire engines are in place and more than 400 firefighters from OCFA and Long Beach Fire Department are on scene.

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.

According to the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, Costa Mesa High School, which was scheduled to hold its prom Saturday at Soka University, was forced to postpone the event one week.

One firefighter reportedly suffered a minor leg injury.

Officials have established a hotline for information regarding the fire. For those looking for more information, call 714-628-7085.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)ted. Wire services contributed to this report.)

 

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