With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Wildfire Evacuation Orders Lifted In Laguna Beach
Mandatory evacuations due to the Emerald Fire were issued earlier for the areas in red, with an evacuation warning put in place for the area in orange.
(
Courtesy city of Laguna Beach
)
A wind-driven brush fire burning in Laguna Beach prompted mandatory evacuations for residents in the communities of Irvine Cove and Emerald Bay, along with Crystal Cove State Beach and the city water plant also being evacuated.
Evacuation orders were lifted Thursday afternoon for the communities of North Laguna Beach, Emerald Bay north and south, and Irvine Cove, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. However, Orange County Parks and California State Parks remain closed in the fire-affected areas.
The Emerald Fire was reported shortly after 4 a.m. Thursday in Emerald Bay. So far, it's burned 150 acres and is 10% contained, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.
The Orange County Fire Authority held a media briefing a little after 7 a.m. where officials said the fire appeared to be slowing down. O.C. Fire Authority said neighboring agencies were assisting in the fight, including two helicopters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and 2-4 air tankers from Cal Fire.
Sponsored message
Pacific Coast Highway has reopened to traffic in both directions.
The fire's plume was visible from a satellite.
#SATELLITE SPOTLIGHT: @NOAA's #GOES17🛰️ spied the #smoke plume from a large brush #fire near Laguna Beach, California this morning. The #wildfire is threatening homes and prompting evacuations in nearby communities. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/PEAYAPDBIW
— NOAA Satellites - Public Affairs (@NOAASatellitePA) February 10, 2022
All schools in Laguna Beach Unified were closed for the day. Evacuation centers were set up at the Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Center and at the Los Olivos Community Center in Irvine.
At LAist, we focus on what matters to our community: clear, fair, and transparent reporting that helps you make decisions with confidence and keeps powerful institutions accountable.
Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
