San Juan Capistrano Brush Fire -- Cause Remains Under Investigation

UPDATE: San Juan Capistrano, CA --

The San Juan Capistrano Brush Fire has been mapped, according to Captain Steve Concialdi of the Orange County Fire Association. The fire was contained yesterday.

“We are anticipating a busy weekend because of high temperatures and low humidity with the excessive heat warning,” Concialdi said.

In response to the dry weather conditions, Orange County fire is staffing a second helicopter, second bulldozer, as well as the 23-member hand crew will be staffed 24 hours a day during the heat alert.

"The brush fire burned a total of 70 acres," Concialdi said. "The cause of the blaze is still under investigation."

The fire originated on the hill between Camino Capistrano and Golden Lantern.

OC Investigators are asking the public for their help with any tips or information regarding the fire. Please call the OC Fire Investigation Tip line at: (714) 573-6210.

More information about this fire will be released when it is made available.

Original Story:

The Orange County Fire Association is getting the upper hand on a brush fire that broke out this afternoon near Saddleback Church in San Juan Capistrano. As of 5:30 p.m., the wildfire has blackened approximately 30 acres.

Around 135 firefighters are battling the blaze from the ground and air, according to Orange County Fire Authority Captain Larry Kurtz.

"The good news is we don't have a lot of wind driving this fire,'' he said.

The blaze is "slope-driven,'' meaning its progress was shaped by the topography, according to Kurtz, who said the hills in the area slowed down the flames.

More on this story as it develops.

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Original story:

San Juan Capistrano, CA -- A 10-acre brush fire is burning through Orange County’s San Juan Capistrano area near Saddleback Church, Wednesday.

The blaze started just after 2 p.m. on Camino Capistrano just off of the Golden Lantern and the Saddleback Church near the Santa Ana I-5 Freeway, according to Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Larry Kurtz.

By 3 p.m., the fire had burned through 6 acres, and at 4 p.m., the totals are 10-acres burned, with the fire still active.

According to Kurtz’s initial reports, there have been no immediate reports of injuries, but the flames threatened some structures in the area, Kurtz said. There is no word as to the cause of the blaze.

About 90 firefighters are currently battling the blaze from the ground and the air with helicopters, Kurtz said.

As of 4:15 p.m. the brush fire has burned through 10 acres of wildland.

“Structures are threatened, but fire has not made any runs at the buildings yet,” Kurtz stated. “So far there no buildings have been damaged or destroyed, there are no injuries and no mandatory evacuations.”

The column of smoke can be seen from I-5.

Patch.com will follow this story with any updates as information is distributed.