Coastal fire: as a result of the fire in the Nigel Lagoon, there will probably be up to 20 destroyed houses, says the head of the fire service – WATCH LIVE

LAGUNA NIGEL, Calif. – Fire officials say a total of 20 buildings in Laguna Nigel were destroyed by rapid fire, which quickly spread amid strong winds.

The fire broke out Wednesday afternoon between Laguna Nigel and Laguna Beach near sewage treatment plants, according to the Orange County Fire Department, and quickly erupted in size.

The fire broke out from about 30 acres around 5pm to 200 an hour later. Eventually, he made his way through Pacific Island Drive.

A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for those living on Coronada Point Drive, Vista Court and Via Las Rosas.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, there are about 100 structures in these areas. All roads leading to these streets are closed.

Meanwhile, a warning of a voluntary evacuation was issued in the Balboa Nice district (Portafina).

Coastal fire: several homes engulf in flames when Nigel Lagoon fire erupts in size

AIR7 HD cameras recorded at least 13 burned houses.

Orange County Fire Chief Brian Fennesi said that although the number of structures has not yet been determined, he believes about 20 homes have been destroyed.

As firefighters worked to eliminate major hotspots, Fennesi said strong winds were blowing coal into the attic, making it difficult for them to pass.

“You have to remember that this fire was caused by the wind,” Fennesi said during an evening news conference on Wednesday. “We have embers thrown very deep into these canyons, many of them into these palm trees. We had embers in our attics, through the vents. The focus is to get into these houses and really look into these attics to go down into the vegetation to really make sure we don’t leave hot coals in place ”.

Fennesi said there were no reports of casualties.

Meanwhile, Laguna Mayor Nigel Elaine Genoa said the city’s water district had sent out a warning asking to reduce water consumption.

An evacuation center has also been set up for those seeking help.

Residents in the area can visit the Crown Valley Community Center at 29751 Crown Valley Parkway for assistance. The Orange County Emergency Response Center has also set up a public information hotline to answer residents ’questions. You can contact them by calling 714-628-7085.

This is an evolving story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.