High wind warnings were issued Friday to stop two wildfires from spreading in Orange County as multiple destructive wildfires burn across the Southland region.
Both incidents were discovered near Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, according to the Laguna Beach Fire Department.
On Friday morning, joggers were running along the trail behind The Ranch Resort in Laguna Beach when they noticed a 20-foot by 20-foot smoldering burn scar.
Resort employees quickly grabbed hoses and extinguished the growing blaze before firefighters arrived on the scene.
The second incident occurred later that day, when hot coals were discovered burning on a dirt back road near Soka University. This place appears to have been used as a fireplace the night before. The fire was extinguished, but hot coals were still burning inside the base, officials said.
OC Parks staff reported the incident, and personnel from the Laguna Beach Fire Department, Orange County Fire Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and other local personnel responded to the scene. The smoldering fire was extinguished without incident.
“This was a team effort that demonstrated how cooperation and quick action can prevent a potentially dangerous situation from escalating,” said Laguna Beach Fire Chief Nico King. “We appreciate the proactive efforts of Jogger, OC Parks staff and The Ranch employees, as well as the professionalism of all agencies that responded.”
Strong winds are expected to continue over the weekend and into next week, and fire officials are urging people to refrain from burning outdoors as the risk of fire remains high.
“We live in a high fire risk area and every minute counts to prevent wildfires,” King said. “If you witness fire activity, please call 911 immediately,” he said.
Orange County park rangers will continue to monitor the fire and monitor open areas.
If you discover a potential fire, please notify local law enforcement immediately.
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