Brush fire breaks out in Costa Mesa Regional Park, with winds carrying thick smoke for miles – Orange County Register

Thick smoke and ash descended on parts of Orange County on Sunday, June 23, as crews worked to contain a brush fire that broke out in Talbert Regional Park in Costa Mesa.

The fire was burning at the north end of the park, along the 1200 block of Victoria Street near the Santa Ana River, according to the Costa Mesa Fire Department. Orange County firefighters were helping battle the flames.

The scrubber had reached 4 acres by 3:45 p.m.

Smoke was visible from the 405 Freeway, and city residents said on social media that ash could be seen falling miles away, including outside South Coast Plaza at Bristol Street and Sunflower Avenue .

“Smoke is blowing directly into Santa Ana,” one Reddit user wrote.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

No injuries or property damage were reported as of mid-afternoon. People were advised to avoid the area near the park.

“The wind must be blowing the smoke and ash east (towards South Coast Plaza),” another Reddit user said. “I have friends who live directly west of this park. They're a block across the riverbed, sandwiched between Brookhurst, off Adams. They don't feel anything.

This is a developing story. Please come back for more.