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TRABUCO CANYON (CNS) – A brush fire authorities say was unintentionally caused by heavy equipment used by an Orange County public works crew has burned 8,500 acres in Trabuco Canyon Tuesday and prompted evacuation orders and warnings for nearby residents in Rancho Santa Margarita.
The Airport Fire began about 1 p.m. Monday near Trabuco Canyon Road in the area of the remote-controlled airplane airport, said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Sean Doran.
“When initial crews arrived on scene, they recorded a half-acre vegetation fire on both sides of the road and that there was a potential for a large, major incident right off the get go,” Orange County Fire Authority Deputy Chief TJ McGovern said
“Crews immediately requested multiple additional resources to help from outside of our county, to our neighboring counties and to our region.”
During a Monday night news conference, McGovern said Orange County Public Works crews began working in the area near Trabuco Creek Road around 7 a.m., using heavy equipment to place boulders meant to replace barriers used to restrict access to the vegetation.
“The fire is classified as unintentional. The cause of the fire was a spark from heavy equipment,” McGovern said. “After placing a load of boulders, the operators began seeing smoke coming from the area of the loader’s basket.”
“The operator and the supervisor used multiple fire extinguishers and the loaders to attempt to extinguish the fire while 911 was being called.”
As of 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, the fire had scorched about 8,500 acres and was 0% contained, according to Cal Fire.
One person suffered smoke inhalation, but Doran did not have further details.
A mandatory evacuation order was issued to the Robinson Ranch community. Evacuation warnings were issued for residents of Rose Canyon Road, Trabuco Creek Road, Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Oaks Drive, Joplin Loop and Cook’s Corner.
A “care and reception shelter” for evacuees was established at the Rancho Santa Margarita Bell Tour Regional Community Center, 22232 El Paseo. Large animals can be sheltered at the Orange County Fair Grounds, 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa.
The OCFA was using new firefighting helicopters that can dump 1,000 gallons of water on the flames, Doran said.
The flames were moving away from homes, burning uphill as of about 4 p.m. Monday, OCFA Capt. Steve Concialdi said.
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