Gibby Fire Leads to Highway Closures and Shelter-in-Place Orders in Orange County

A brush fire, referred to as the Gibby Fire, ignited on Wednesday afternoon in Orange County, California, prompting shelter-in-place orders as firefighters worked to control the situation. The fire was reported shortly after 2 p.m. near Ortega Highway in Rancho Mission Viejo, according to CAL FIRE officials. By 4:45 p.m., the fire had expanded to 216 acres and was burning at a moderate rate, posing a threat to the Rancho Carrillo community and nearby commercial structures. Officials indicated that the fire could potentially grow to 1,000 acres. A shelter-in-place order was issued for Zone ORT01 in Orange County around 4 p.m., followed by another order for Zone RVC-2074 in Riverside County due to the fire's proximity to the county line. Road closures were implemented as the fire spread, with the California Highway Patrol shutting down Ortega Highway in both directions between Rancho Mission Viejo and Lake Elsinore, advising drivers to avoid the area. Additionally, Caspers Wilderness Park was closed as a result of the flames. As of 4 p.m., no evacuation orders had been issued, but officials noted that conditions were rapidly changing.