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Crews stop progress of brush fire in Irvine near 405 Freeway

by in News

Firefighters tackled a brush fire in Irvine near the 405 Freeway on Sunday, Sept. 15.

The fire burned near Shady Canyon Drive, just west of the freeway, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Paul Holaday said. It had scorched about three acres by 5:15 p.m, then grew to between 15 and 20 acres before crews managed to halt its progress at 5:45 p.m.

A tall plume of black smoke could be seen by passing motorists as flames consumed brush along a hillside. However, it never got closer than a half-mile from the freeway, Holaday said.

No injuries were reported, police and firefighters said. No structures were threatened, and no residents were ordered to evacuate.

OCFA Station #47 was the closest building to the fire, and its proximity helped firefighters react quickly to the situation, Holaday said. The agency dispatched 11 engines and three aircraft that worked with the aid of aerial surveillance from an Orange County Sheriff’s helicopter and an Irvine Police Department drone.

The California Highway Patrol log showed officers had prepared to close the 405 southbound Shady Canyon off-ramp because of the fire, but it was later decided the off-ramp could remain open.

Authorities did not immediately suggest what might have started the fire. Investigation into its cause was ongoing Sunday evening. In addition, firefighters would remain in the area through the night to monitor for flare-ups, Holaday said.