Fire near Santiago Canyon caused by arson

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A fire that has burned about 8,800 acres near Santiago Canyon was caused by arson, Orange County Fire Authority officials said today. It was deliberately set in three areas adjacent to the 241 Toll Toad.

Arson investigators said two fires were set on one side of the toll road where it cuts through the canyon and another was set on the other side. Authorities asked anyone with information to call the arson tip line at (800) 540-8282.

The blaze, which erupted at about 6 p.m. Sunday, was fueled by dense vegetation and fierce Santa Ana winds. Fire raced northward through Hicks Canyon toward the Northwood and Portola Springs residential areas. No homes have burned and no injuries have been reported.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered on Amberhill Street in Irvine, and authorities called for voluntary evacuations in Lemon Heights and Cowan Heights Sunday night. Residents were allowed to return early today.

-- Gil Reza in Orange County