Brush Fire Breaks Out On Ortega Highway, Triggering Closures

RANCHO MISSION VIEJO, CA — Firefighters Wednesday were battling a brush fire that broke out near Ortega Highway, the California Highway Patrol said.

The fire was reported just after 2 p.m. in the 34700 block of Ortega Highway in Rancho Mission Viejo and resulted in full lane closures on the mass-traversed roadway, police said.

According to the Orange County Fire Authority, the blaze — dubbed the "Gibby Fire" — was estimated to be roughly two to three acres as of 2:30 p.m.

Evacuations were not issued as of 2:30 p.m.

The fire prompted the California Highway Patrol to shut down Ortega Highway in both directions between Rancho Mission Viejo and Lake Elsinore as of 2:35 p.m.

Drivers were urged to avoid the area and take alternative routes such as routes 91, 76, 78 or Interstate 5.

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