Brush Fire Forces Evacuations in Orange County

A brush fire that erupted in the hills of Orange County in Southern California exploded to more than 5,000 acres within a few hours, prompting evacuation orders for nearby communities as the blaze burned uncontrolled.

Known as the Airport fire, it began just before 1:30 p.m. about 24 KM east of Irvine, Calif., near an airport for remote-controlled model airplanes. Officials ordered evacuations in parts of Trabuco Canyon, a community in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, and recommended evacuations for surrounding neighborhoods.

The fire broke out during a prolonged heat wave that has pushed temperatures in many parts of Southern California to increase in recent days. It was one of several threatening the region.

A brush fire in Los Angeles County, known as the Bridge fire, grew to nearly 3,000 acres, a day after breaking out in the Angeles National Forest.

Another blaze, the Line fire, began in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, about 88 KM northeast of Trabuco Canyon. It had swelled to threaten more than 38,000 structures and was only 5 percent contained.

In Trabuco Canyon, temperatures reached about 37 degrees Celsius, above normal for early September, said Samantha Zuber, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego. Wind speeds were about 24 km per hour, she said.

The blaze started in a rural area where narrow roads and single-family homes are tucked in the midst of steep, brushy canyons. It’s a popular area for hiking and riding motorcycles. The canyons quickly give way to gated communities full of expensive homes that offer close access to nature. The area also features strip malls and wide, well-maintained streets.