Several homes were temporarily evacuated and heavy smoke and ashes descended on parts of Orange County on Sunday, June 23, as crews worked to contain a 9-acre brush fire that broke out at Talbert Regional Park in Costa Mesa.
The blaze burned at the north end of the park along the 1200 block of Victoria Street, near the Santa Ana River, according to the Costa Mesa Fire Department. The Orange County Fire Authority assisted in battling the flames.
By 5:30 p.m., the brusher reached 9 acres, and crews were working to mop up hotspots.
“We’ve got crews out there clearing the areas that have burned, making sure no potential areas are left smoldering that could ignite later,” Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley said.
About 30 homes along Swan Drive, just north of the park, were placed under voluntary evacuation around 4 p.m., and the park was closed until further notice. The evacuation notice was lifted around 6 p.m.
Earlier, the smoke was visible from the 405 Freeway, and city residents said on social media that ashes could be seen falling miles away – including outside South Coast Plaza on Bristol Street and Sunflower Avenue.
“Smoke blowing straight into Santa Ana,” a Reddit user wrote.
What caused the blaze was not immediately available.
Duke is performing water drops with additional @OCFireAuthority helicopters en route.
Santa Ana River Trail is going to be evacuated completely at this time for OCFA helicopter drops.
Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/0fUjSWx3VL
— Supervisor Katrina Foley (@SupervisorFoley) June 23, 2024
Two teenagers were assessed at the scene for injuries, with one teen being taken to a hospital, according to OCFA Capt. Sean Doran, though details on the injuries were not available.
“Wind must be blowing the smoke and ash to the east (towards South Coast Plaza),” another Reddit user said. “I have friends who live directly to the west of this park. They’re one block on the other side of the riverbed , sandwiched between Brookhurst, off of Adams . They’re not smelling anything.”
