Crews Battle Santiago Fire Burning At Peak Of OC Mountain Tuesday

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — A vegetation fire was burning at Santiago Peak in Orange County Tuesday morning, and Cleveland National Forest firefighters were hard at work dousing the flames.

The fire was initially reported at 8:17 p.m. on Monday, when smoke was reported from the peak of the mountain — which lies between Rancho Santa Margarita and Temescal Valley in Riverside County.

According to Cleveland National Forest representatives, the fire originally presented a big risk due to the fact that it was burning downhill on three sides. By 9 p.m. Monday, the fire had grown from less than half an acre to 2.5 acres.

Firefighters worked through the night to quell the flames, and as of 9 a.m. Tuesday, the fire shrank to 1.4 acres and was 50 percent contained.

"Today crews are securing the fire's perimeter by completing handline, extinguishing interior hotspots, & mopping up," a Cleveland National Forest representative posted on social media. "Thanks to our @OCFireAuthority @CALFIRERRU partners for helping to suppress this fire."

According to authorities, no injuries were reported and no structures were harmed from the flames.