Laguna Niguel, CA – On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at approximately 2:45 p.m. a vegetation fire began in the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Unfortunately, strong winds shifted the wildfire, now known as the Coastal Fire, toward the Coronado Pointe neighborhood in the City of Laguna Niguel. Because of the rapid growth and shift of the wildfire, several residential areas were evacuated, and over 60 different types of resources from throughout the region were utilized to battle the flames. While the spread of the fire significantly slowed down overnight, approximately 200 acres have been burned and an estimated 20 residential homes have been destroyed.

In order to effectively respond to the threat of the Coastal Fire, the City of Laguna Niguel declared the existence of a local emergency shortly after the fire began on May 11. The proclamation provides the City with the ability to mobilize local resources, coordinate interagency response, accelerate procurement of vital supplies, use mutual aid, and seek future reimbursement by the State and Federal government. Additionally, the City activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and established a Temporary Care and Reception Shelter Center at the Crown Valley Community Center, which is located at 29751 Crown Valley Parkway.

The Temporary Care and Reception Shelter Center continues to remain open and is available for evacuees and all residents that have been impacted by the Coastal Fire. Residents that have been directly impacted by the Coastal Fire are encouraged to contact a City staff member for assistance and resources by emailing [email protected] or by calling (949) 362-4300. Residents are also encouraged to call the Public Information Hotline Number at (714) 628-7085 for additional information.

Mayor Elaine Gennawey stated, “On behalf of the entire Laguna Niguel City Council, I extend my sincere gratitude to our first responders, specifically our firefighters from the Orange County Fire Authority and our deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, who have been working tirelessly to ensure our residents are safe and the impacts to our community are minimized. I would also like to thank our City team that has been working around the clock in our Emergency Operations Center since the fire first began to threaten our city. And finally, I would like to thank all community members that have already stepped up to donate items such as food and personal items for those impacted by the fire. We have had many concerned and caring residents contact the City regarding how to help. If you are interested in learning how you can help, please feel free to contact the City at (949) 362- 4300.”

The safety of residents is paramount, and the repopulation of impacted neighborhoods will be a priority when deemed safe by our public safety partners, Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

In addition to the City’s response, out of an abundance of caution, the Capistrano Unified School District has also implemented measures related to student safety. This includes students at Moulton Elementary being temporarily reassigned to attend school at Wood Canyon on Thursday, May 12, and Friday, May 13, with early release dismissal at 1:10 pm for kindergarten and 1:20 pm for all students grades 1-5. For more information directly related to the Capistrano Unified School District’s response to the Coastal Fire please call (949) 234- 5575.

The public is encouraged to follow the City’s Facebook Page, @CityofLagunaNiguel, as well as the City’s dedicated webpage at cityoflaguaniguel.org/coastalfire for the most to up-todate information.