Update: Brushfire Reached 14 Acres San Juan Capistrano--Ortega Highway, Reata Road

San Juan Capistrano, CA--The Orange County Fire Authority received multiple calls regarding smoke on July 11, at approximately noon.

A small vegetation fire above the Rancho Mission Viejo station was approximately one acre in size, in light fuels burning uphill towards a lemon grove with no threat to structures.

Water drops were successful, and no need for additional aircraft was needed.

Forward progress was stopped and a line around the fire was announced at almost 2 p.m.

"There was a safety notification for snake sightings and for crews and personnel to use caution for change of weather with onshore winds," OCFA Capt. Steve Concialdi reported.

The fire was mapped at 14 acres by the hand crew, while a night operation remained to ensure there would be no flare ups.

UPDATE: San Juan Capistrano, CA--As of 3 p.m. Monday, July 11, Firefighters have stopped the spread of the brush fire in the San Juan Capistrano area of Ortega Highway and Reata Road.

The fire reached a total of three and one-half acres, according to Capt. Larry Kurtz of the OCFA.

No homes were threatened, and no evacuations were ordered in this quickly quelled Orange County brush fire.

50 Firefighters from the Orange County Fire Authority are on hand battling a brush fire near San Juan Capistrano.

The wildfire broke out just before noon, Monday, July 11 in the hill country.

"This area is wild grasses," Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Larry Kurtz said. "The fire is burning through light grassy fuel, this is not heavy vegetation."

There are currently no evacuations in order, and no homes are threatened, Kurtz said. The OCFA arrived on scene at 11:58 a.m. to the area of Ortega Highway and Reata Road, approximately one-quarter mile off of the Ortega Highway.

"We're making good progress on the brusher, and forward progress is slowed," Kurtz stated in interview. "A water helicopter is currently making drops at the scene."

As of 1:30 p.m., there is no word as to the cause of the fire, it remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Please refresh this screen for updates.

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