Foothill Ranch homes threatened

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An arson fire that scorched 8,800 acres near Santiago Canyon is threatening thousands of homes in Foothill Ranch, Orange County Fire Authority officials said today.

The blaze, which erupted about 6 p.m. Sunday, was deliberately set in three areas next to the 241 toll road and quickly exploded, fueled by dense vegetation and fierce Santa Ana winds. The fire raced north through Hicks Canyon toward the Northwood and Portola Springs residential areas.

Several outbuildings were damaged, but no homes had burned and no injuries had been reported. The fire was 30% contained this morning, but fire officials were cautious in light of gusting winds and bone-dry conditions.

‘We don’t feel overconfident,’ said Mark Kramer, operations chief for the fire authority. ‘We have two tough days ahead of us. This is a tough fire in a wilderness area.’

About 500 firefighters and two water-dropping helicopters were focusing on the fire’s southeastern flank, which was marching toward the communities of Foothill Ranch, Whiting Ranch and Lake Forest.

Kramer said the fire’s growth was limited Sunday by new construction in the area, which included fire breaks, tile roofs and closed eaves that prevented the fire from spreading into residential neighborhoods. He also said a large area near Portola Springs that had been graded for construction acted as a natural break.

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.

Arson investigatorsasked anyone with information to call (800) 540-8282.

-- Mike Anton and H.G. Reza