A rapidly spreading fire broke out on a hillside in Laguna Beach, California on Monday afternoon, leading to evacuation orders and causing significant traffic disruptions on key coastal roads as firefighters mobilized to tackle the flames.

The fire started around 2:15pm near Rancho Laguna Road and Morningside Drive, in the hills above Fernando Street Park. 

Authorities swiftly enforced evacuation orders for residents living on La Mirada Street, Katella Street, Summit Drive, and Baja Street, while residents in the Arch Beach Heights neighborhood were given evacuation warnings.

Laguna Beach Fire Chief Niko King said the flames were advancing quickly and posed a direct threat to nearby homes.

Firefighting teams from the Orange County Fire Authority joined local forces, initiating a strategic ground and air operation to curb the fire’s progress.

Aircraft made water drops while firefighters on the ground defended properties in the fire’s path.

Traffic ground to a halt on both sides of the Coast Highway as emergency vehicles struggled to navigate the congestion. 

Southbound drivers near the Montage resort were turned back, and trolleys loaded with passengers became stuck in gridlock.

The city urged people to stay away from Laguna Beach, citing full closures at South Coast Highway and Broadway Street, with detours redirecting vehicles to Laguna Canyon Road.

As of 3:30pm, the fire had burned an estimated 3.1 acres. 

‘I didn’t see anything but I saw people running,’ said longtime Rosalie to the Orange County Register.‘

My dog started barking and then I got the order. We were lucky we left right away. There were a few cars and it only got backed up toward the bottom.’

‘It’s a haunting experience,’ added husband Alan. ‘In January after the LA fires we packed up everything, but now it was too close for comfort knowing it was just two blocks away. You have to be focused on what’s most critical. That means your family, your animal’s life.

‘I ran without even taking my computer,’ he added. ‘The only thing I grabbed is my Tallis bag. And in it is a special note from my mother before she died.’

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. According to the National Weather Service, conditions at the time included mild temperatures in the upper 60s, humidity near 80%, and winds between 4 and 6 mph, with occasional gusts reaching 13 mph.

Monday’s fire comes six months after the wildfires that devastated the eastern and western flanks of Los Angeles.

The fires broke out on January 7, when dry desert winds whipped over mountain passes with hurricane force, following eight months without rain. 

The Eaton Fire, in Los Angeles County just east of the city, devastated the community of Altadena, while the Palisades Fire leveled much of the coastal Pacific Palisades district.

The fires killed 22 people, destroyed nearly 12,000 homes and caused as much as $53.8 billion in property damage, according to a report by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation.

While many homeowners complain about delays, LA city and county officials say rebuilding progress has exceeded initial expectations. 

About 75% of the 4,398 residential lots destroyed or severely damaged in the city of Los Angeles have been cleared of debris and are certified for rebuilding, according to a spokesperson for Mayor Karen Bass.

This is a developing story – more follows…