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Fast-Moving Anaheim Hills Brush Fire Prompts Evacuations, Darkens Skies Over Disneyland [Updated]
Update [4:40 p.m.]: The fire is now at 4,000 to 5,000 acres, according to Anaheim Fire and Rescue.
Update [1:50 p.m.]: The Canyon Fire 2 is now estimated to have engulfed about 2,000 acres, according to KTLA.
A fast-moving brush fire broke out near the 91 and 241 freeways just before 10 a.m. on Monday, about a mile from where the Canyon Fire burned two weeks ago. Dubbed "Canyon Fire 2" by Anaheim Fire and Rescue, the blaze has grown rapidly from its initial size of 25 acres to an estimated 500 acres. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for those in the Anaheim Hills area, as well as for the east end of Orange. ABC 7 reports that at least two homes are ablaze.
A Red Flag warning from the National Weather Service indicating critical fire weather conditions is in effect until Tuesday morning, and 25 mph winds have pushed the growing fire west, according to City News Service.
Smoke from the #CanyonFire2 is showing up on radar as it drifts west. Stay safe and heed advice from local authorities eveyone. pic.twitter.com/0E3QFPj219
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) October 9, 2017
The eastbound lanes of the 91 Freeway are currently closed, along with both sides of the 241 Freeway south of the 91.
The fire also cast an apocalyptic light over Disneyland, with darkened, orange skies above the park. A rep for Disneyland did not immediately return a request for comment, but it appears that the park, which is about 15 miles from the fire, remains open as usual.
Ominous end to our weekend as #CanyonFire2 casts apocalyptic shadow over @Disneyland Resort. Fire to the east is forcing people from homes. pic.twitter.com/q4aomfzlD1
— Brian M. Westbrook (@BrianWestbrook) October 9, 2017
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