A brush fire that moved quickly through the hills of La Habra Heights destroyed two homes and damaged two outbuildings Monday, while two people, including a firefighter, were injured as crews worked to protect nearby neighborhoods.
The Palos Fire began shortly before 2:30 p.m. near the 2400 block of Las Palomas Drive in the hills near the Los Angeles and Orange County border. The flames pushed uphill through the area, reaching residential properties as firefighters and aircraft worked to slow the spread.
The fire burned about 17 acres before crews stopped its forward movement. By Monday evening, officials reported that the fire was 41% contained.
Two homes were destroyed, while two outbuildings also sustained significant damage. At one point, flames threatened additional residences along nearby streets, prompting authorities to warn residents in several surrounding areas to prepare to leave.
About 200 firefighters from Los Angeles County and neighboring departments responded to the blaze. Water-dropping helicopters were also used to attack the fire from above while crews worked on the ground.
The narrow, winding roads in the hillside community presented additional challenges for firefighters trying to reach threatened properties.
Residents had little time to gather belongings and get pets to safety as the fire approached. Rick Brooks, who lives in the area, said his wife was away when the fire started and his dog was at home. He said he had difficulty reaching the property because roads in the area had been closed.
For Tammy Becker, who has lived in La Habra for about 20 years, the fire brought the loss of her home and another small structure on the property used for her cats.
An evacuation warning was issued for several nearby areas as the fire spread. Los Altos High School in Hacienda Heights was used as an evacuation shelter for residents who needed a place to go.
Fire officials later reported that the evacuation warnings had been lifted after crews gained control of the fire’s forward spread.
The two people injured in connection with the fire included one firefighter and one civilian. Details about the extent of their injuries were not immediately available.
The cause of the Palos Fire remains under investigation.
