24 structures lost, 7,500 acres burned in Orange County firestorm, but slow progress reported

Firefighters on Tuesday were slowing gaining more control of a brush fire that destroyed 24 structures in Orange County, burned 7,500 acres and forced a mass evacuation of residents in Anaheim Hills and Orange.

The Canyon 2 fire broke out around 9:20 a.m. Monday near the 91 Freeway and Gypsum Canyon Road, and quickly leaped the California 241 toll road. It raced up a ridge and hit tract homes at the top of a hill. Several caught fire and continued to burn even as firefighters sprayed the structures with water.

Fire officials said Tuesday that they were in the process of inspections of burn areas in hopes of getting better data about losses. Officials said the blaze was 25% contained and that much of the westward progression of the fire had been stopped. Firefighters were now working on the eastern flank of the blaze.

While evacuations remain in place, officials said they hope to lift some of those restrictions this afternoon or evening. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

 Orange County fire officials evacuated more than 5,000 homes in three cities as the fast-moving fire grew, spitting smoke into the air that was visible over Disneyland and caused officials to issue air quality warnings in parts of Los Angeles County. - More, latimes

24 structures lost, 7,500 acres burned in Orange County firestorm, but slow progress reported

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