Laguna Niguel Coastal fire update: Over 180 acres burned, several homes destroyed

A wildfire that broke out near Laguna Niguel in Southern California on Wednesday afternoon has spread to over 180 acres, prompting an emergency evacuation of homes, a resort, and a gold course in the area. 

Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Sean Doran said the blaze, dubbed the Coastal fire, was first reported around 2.30 pm on Wednesday afternoon near a water treatment facility in Aliso Woods Canyon. About an hour later, those living in the area of Pacific Island Drive and Coronado Pointe were asked to evacuate. Students who stayed back at Laguna Beach High School after class hours for activities were also evacuated. A voluntary evacuation notice has also been issued for the Balboa Nyes neighborhood.

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“A Voluntary Evacuation means that there is a potential threat to life and property. People and their pets in the Voluntary Evacuation area need to make preparations should an Immediate Evacuation Order be issued,” A spokesperson for the City of Laguna Beach told Patch.

“Individuals with disabilities and access or functional needs should consider leaving now. If you, a family member, or a neighbor is blind, deaf, or hard of hearing, please notify them of the situation if possible.”

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Several homes have reportedly been damaged, however, there were no reports of any injuries. A temporary shelter has been set up at Crown Valley Community Center on Crown Valley Parkway for those who have been displaced by the fire, which is driven by particularly windy coastal conditions.

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Aliso Woods Canyon and Wilderness Park have been closed to the public due to the blaze. 

This is a developing story