Wildfire close to us

http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&q=wildfire&near=Irvine,+CA&fb=1&cid=33776072,-117890167,8918891492767451372&li=lmd&ll=33.718629,-117.673874&spn=0.333542,0.580215&z=11&iwloc=A&om=1

Irvine, California fire burned more than 4,000 acres .

A wildfire that burned more than 4,000 acres in Irvine has been contained near the city but is still burning in wilderness area. 3,800 acres had burned so far in the Limestone Canyon Regional Park area in Irvine.

Irvine fire/Orange county

Orange County Fire Authority’s firefighters were most concerned about lives and property when the fire hit the Portola area - the head of the fire. Now they are focusing on the flanks of the fire - the two or three miles on each side. If the wind changes direction tonight, the Peters Canyon area could be affected.

In the Hicks Canyon area, some nurseries were burned and residents evacuated. Around 8:30 pm some residents in the northern area of Irvine were voluntarily evacuating north of Portola Parkway and east of Culver Drive in northern Irvine. No mandatory evacuations in Irvine but Irvine Police Department recommended that residents take shelter and listen to emergency news reports.

Evacuation Center In Irvine:

Lakeview Senior Center
20 Lake Road (between Barranca and Alton Pkwy)
Irvine, CA 92604

Irvine wildfire was first reported around 6:00 pm Sunday night in the vicinity of Santiago and Silverado Canyons. It quickly spread southwest and by 8 p.m. the flames had burned through Hicks Canyon and were at the edge of Jeffery Road and Portola Parkway. Heavy smoky conditions and ash in the the Northwood residential area of Irvine near the Portola Parkway.

Closed Road:

Jeffrey Road and Sand Canyon Avenue

Closed Freeway:

The 241 was closed between Portola Parkway and the junction of the 261 toll road.

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Yes, the fire is in our county too. We just don't get as much press as Malibu. If the map link works, I am in Costa Mesa. The fire in Irvine is about 20 minutes to the east from us.  The winds are terrible. The gusts will push you around. So far, it is just the dust and ash we are getting. My eyes and sinuses are really bad. I've just been staying indoors. I wash my eyes several times a day. Even in the evenings, the sky is a nasty color of "brown/red". And dry. The plant material is super dry. We all have to keep a watch for embers. I also have my important papers and precious keepsakes ready to go. Cat carrier is down and poor little Munch isn't sure what is going on, tho I think she can smell the smoke. This morning should be intresting after the sun comes up. Water dropping aircraft couldn't do night time drops due to the wind gusts. Also, the morning commute will be affected. I must say that I am very nervous and scared. Not sure where we would go, to the west is the pacific ocean.