A vegetation fire burning in the hills near Brea has grown to 40 acres, prompting evacuation warnings and a large-scale firefighting effort Saturday afternoon, according to CAL FIRE and Orange County authorities.
The blaze, identified as the “Carbon Fire,” ignited around 1:40 p.m. on Saturday in the area of Carbon Canyon and Olinda Place in unincorporated Orange County.
The wildfire quickly spread through dry vegetation in the rugged terrain.
Fire crews responded rapidly, deploying both ground units and aircraft in an effort to contain the flames. Additional firefighting resources were also dispatched as the situation developed, reflecting concerns over potential spread in the canyon landscape, according to KTLA.
Authorities issued evacuation warnings for several nearby communities, including residents in Hollydale and Olinda Village. Later updates expanded those warnings to include the El Rodeo Stables area as well as Brea Hills, as conditions remained active.
Residents who choose to evacuate have been instructed to travel eastbound on Carbon Canyon Road, as Carbon Canyon Road is closed between Brea Hills and Ruby.
Officials are urging the public to avoid the vicinity entirely to allow emergency crews to operate safely and efficiently.
As of the latest update, no injuries or structural damage have been reported.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and officials say the situation remains under active investigation.
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