OC Fire Authority officials say a shelter in place has been ordered for people in Casper Wilderness Park and Rancho Carrillo due to an ongoing vegetation fire.
As of 4:48 p.m., officials say the South County fire has spread to 216 acres. According to a CalFire incident report, there is 0% containment as of 4:39 p.m.
The Gibby Fire began off Ortega Highway and Gibby Road in unincorporated Rancho Mission Viejo – closing down much of the scenic highway that cuts through to Riverside County.
As of 4:36 p.m., eastbound Ortega Highway is closed from Avenida La Pata to the Riverside County line, along with Rancho Carrillo Road. According to CHP officials, it is unknown how long the closures will last.
According to a CalFire incident report, westbound Ortega Highway is closed at Grand in Lake Elsinore.
OC Fire Authority Officials are urging people to avoid the area.
In a video posted on X, Commander Chief Cheyne Maule reported that crews are making progress on containment from the ground and air. Crews are working with CalFire the U.S. Forest Service, CHP, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Orange County Parks to combat the vegetation fire.
Officials for California Highway Patrol said they are assisting the Orange County Fire Authority with road closures.
According to the OCFA X account, no homes in the area are currently threatened by the area as of 3 p.m.
The cause of the vegetation fire is currently under investigation.
Sara Leon is a Voice of OC reporting fellow. You can reach her at sleon7903@gmail.com.
