2 firefighters injured fighting blaze off Ortega Highway

Nov. 16, 2009 | KPCC
Mercer 1751
Fox LA

A fire was burning on Monday off Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO - Two firefighters were injured while fighting a fire that burned more than 250 acres today and was sparked by a downed power pole on a rugged hillside near San Juan Capistrano.

The blaze started at 11:30 a.m. near 32502 Ortega Highway. It was 10 percent contained. No homes or businesses were threatened. The firefighters suffered minor injuries, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Greg McKeown said. The firefighters suffered facial and knee injuries.

A power pole had been downed in the area.

Due to the rugged terrain, the flames were being attacked mostly from the air with four helicopters and two fixed-wing planes, McKeown said. About 100 firefighters were battling the blaze as of 2:20 p.m. with 100 more on the way, McKeown said.

"Our concern now is for firefighter safety," he said.

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