The Coastal fire remained at 200 acres overnight as firefighters entered their third day fighting the blaze, which has destroyed 20 multi-million-dollar homes and damaged 11 others in Laguna Niguel, authorities said.
Evacuation orders for some 900 homes remained in place as firefighters assessed the destruction to ensure damaged structures would not collapse in the ridgetop community of Coronado Pointe, said Capt. Thanh Nguyen of the Orange County Fire Authority.
“It’s still dangerous, so we’re making sure it’s safe and we can get in there before re-populating,” Nguyen said.
Containment of the fire remained at 15% Friday morning, May 13, officials said. Containment is the percentage of the fire’s perimeter that firefighters forecast the fire won’t creep beyond.
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The blaze, which sparked just before 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, spread quickly uphill toward Coronado Pointe driven by wind gusts, officials have said.
The Coastal fire’s footprint hasn’t grown since the first day.
“We’re still continuing to get around (the fire’s perimeter),” Nguyen said. “The acreage has not increased, so we’re optimistic with that — however, the overhauling and putting out hot spots will take some time.”
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries during the firefight, but they were treated and released from the hospital, OCFA Capt. Shane Sherwood said.
Staff photographer Paul Bersebach contributed to this report.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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