Orange County brush fire: Multiple homes on fire as Laguna Niguel brush fire grows in size, approaches more residential areas

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. (KABC) — Multiple homes in Laguna Niguel are up in flames as a fast-moving brush fire is spreading rapidly, growing closer to more nearby residential areas and prompting evacuations.

The fire broke out Wednesday afternoon between Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach near a water treatment plant, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

It quickly smells smoke into the sky and prompted a response from firefighters.

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The Laguna Beach Police Department has issued voluntary evacuations for residents living in the Balboa Nyes/Portafina neighborhood in Laguna Beach.

Residents and their pets are asked to make preparations should an immediate evacuation order be issued.

AIR7 HD cameras captured the fire getting close to a community near Coronado Pointe, just along the Aliso Summit Hiking Trail.

Several water-dropping helicopters have been helping fight the flames, and crews in fixed-wing aircraft have also been assisting.
According to the city of Aliso Viejo, the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is now shut down.

This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.