The Votes Are In!
2023 Readers' Choice is back, bigger and better than ever!
View Winners → 
Fire May 16, 2022
Evacuations were still in place Monday for 71 homes in Laguna Niguel because of the devastating Coastal Fire, which though 90% contained is still burning after five days. | Image courtesy of the city of Laguna Niguel
by
share with
The blaze that blackened 200 acres and devastated an upscale hilltop neighborhood in Laguna Niguel was 90% contained Monday and the mandatory evacuation zone has been reduced from 900 to 71 homes.
The Coastal Fire destroyed 20 homes and damaged 11 others since breaking out Wednesday afternoon, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries.
Thirty residences on Coronado Pointe remained under mandatory evacuation until further progress can be made, according to Laguna Niguel city officials.
The fire was reported at 2:44 p.m. Wednesday near the South Orange County Wastewater Authority’s Coastal Treatment Plant, embarking on a relentless wind- and terrain-driven march.
