DEVELOPING STORY: A state of emergency was declared in Laguna Niguel, California after wildfires Wednesday afternoon destroyed a number of homes. As many as 20 homes, possibly more, burned to the ground. There is no immediate word on injuries.
The Orange County Fire Authority said the blaze started as a small vegetation fire in Aliso Woods Canyon that quickly grew out of control.
TRENDING: Protests Erupt in Chief Justice Roberts’ neighborhood
The fire was named Coastal Fire and is estimated to have burned more than 200 acres.
One firefighter described the devastation in Coronado Pointe as “chaos.” Watch videos from the scene below.
#UPDATE: The #CoastalFire is spreading through the Coronado Pointe neighborhood in Orange County. https://t.co/6ozpwfrdet pic.twitter.com/utpVQ5P8AJ
— CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) May 12, 2022
One firefighter called it chaos on Coronado Pointe. A street in Laguna Niguel devastated by fire. We’ve counted more than 10 homes lost #coastalfire @cbsla #lagunaniguel pic.twitter.com/L1cqdPNclK
— michele gile (@michelegiletv) May 12, 2022
#coastalfire this light is terrifying. Dozens of engines Saving houses. It's a battle house to house. pic.twitter.com/umB1jzMnxO
— Stuart Palley (@stuartpalley) May 12, 2022
My view as I walked out of the office today. This really sucks. Praying for the firemen to stay safe and for the families that were evacuated in such a short notice. #coastalfire pic.twitter.com/H5nhOULx32
— ANADucksAdvocate 🇺🇸🦅 (@AnaAdvocate) May 12, 2022
Total devastation this evening along Coronado Pointe in Laguna Niguel, CA as a result of the #CoastalFire which has burned at least 17 homes. pic.twitter.com/wjzEs3mP4R
— Chris Cristi (@abc7chriscristi) May 12, 2022
#CoastalFire wreaking havoc in Laguna Niguel. pic.twitter.com/QwP4BgJTbZ
— ronnie kitchen (@sumofalldrake) May 12, 2022
#CoastalFire Not for Broadcast pic.twitter.com/8rSEvzVQyy
— Dave in Prescott 🌲🌵❄️☀️ (@DaveInPrescott) May 12, 2022
The onshore breeze is certainly adding a layer of complexity to the fire fight at the #coastalfire pic.twitter.com/iNZkVqHHER
— Stuart Palley (@stuartpalley) May 12, 2022