LOS ANGELES — An unseasonable heat wave and gusty Santa Ana winds fueled a brush fire that forced thousands of people to flee an affluent Orange County coastal community on Thursday, stoking fears that dangerous blazes could become more common in dry winter months.
Although containment lines held and firefighters kept flames from spreading into homes, authorities warned residents to stay vigilant through the weekend as more high temperatures and winds are expected.
Evacuation orders for Emerald Bay and Irvine Cove were lifted at 3 p.m., but residents should be prepared to evacuate again if needed, Laguna Beach Fire Chief Mike Garcia said.
