Gibby Fire threatens Orange County communities

The Gibby Fire, a brush fire that broke out Wednesday afternoon near Ortega Highway in Rancho Mission Viejo, has reached approximately 216 acres. The blaze is burning at a moderate rate of spread and threatens the Rancho Carrillo community as well as nearby commercial structures.

Authorities have issued shelter-in-place orders for Zone ORT01 in Orange County and Zone RVC-2074 in Riverside County due to the fire’s proximity to the county line. Officials have warned that the fire could potentially grow to 1,000 acres.

In response to the incident, the California Highway Patrol has closed Ortega Highway in both directions between Rancho Mission Viejo and Lake Elsinore. Additionally, Caspers Wilderness Park has been closed to the public.