140 acres scorched in Yorba Linda
A fast-moving brush fire accidentally started by a Caltrans road crew scorched 140 acres along the 91 Freeway in Yorba Linda on Monday, forcing the evacuation of a recreational vehicle park.
The fire, driven by hot, dry winds, burned westward as hundreds of firefighters worked to stop it from crossing the Santa Ana River and the 91 Freeway.
“It’s a very dirty fire,” said Capt. Steve Miller, a spokesman for the Orange County Fire Authority.
“It will probably take us a day or two to get it mopped up.”
Late Monday the fire was 60% contained, with containment expected by 6 p.m. Wednesday, Miller said.
No structural damage or injuries were reported.
Investigators said the fire was ignited by sparks from a power cutting tool used by a Caltrans road crew installing metal fencing at Coal Canyon Road.
The road workers “took every possible measure to try and stop the fire before it spread,” a Fire Authority statement said, but “because of strong winds and dry vegetation, they were unable to stop the fire.”
The fire was reported about 2:10 p.m. in Featherly Regional Park, next to the freeway, just east of Gypsum Canyon Road, authorities said. Almost immediately, authorities said, an unknown number of people were evacuated from the Canyon RV Park, which was close to the fire’s path.
Transportation officials, meanwhile, closed several connectors and ramps along the 91 Freeway and 241 toll road, although traffic was flowing.
“The freeway is open and people are getting through,” said Officer Katrina Lundgren of the California Highway Patrol.
“There’s lots of smoke going over the freeway, so it’s hard to see.”
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