Fire Ignites in Arch Beach Heights

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A hillside home in Arch Beach Heights ignited Thursday night. Firefighters contained the blaze and no one was injured. Photo by Marilynn Young
A hillside home in Arch Beach Heights ignited Thursday night. Firefighters contained the blaze and no one was injured. Photo by Marilynn Young

Neighbors watched as firefighters contained a spectacular structure fire at 1215 La Mirada Street in Laguna Beach Thursday, March 10.

No injuries to the homeowners or the firefighters were reported in the evening blaze that started at approximately 6:30 p.m., Fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse said.

Seven firetrucks and three ladder trucks responded from Laguna Beach and Newport Beach and contained the damage to a single structure. Minutes before the La Mirada fire erupted, Laguna Beach firefighters responded to a restaurant fire in town. As a result, Newport firefighters were also dispatched to Arch Beach Heights, La Tendresse said.

The homeowner and a friend reported that they smelled smoke while in the kitchen, LaTendresse said. When they opened a door, black smoke overtook them and they retreated, he said.

In an interview, an unidentified neighbor said he saw flames and went into the house to help get the occupants out. He said the woman owner had remained in the house because she was attempting to save her pet birds. She said they probably perished in the blaze.

The spectacular fire was clearly visible from hillside homes in a neighboring canyon off Del Mar Street.

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1 COMMENT

  1. The birds? Wherever they are, they are very likely enjoying more freedom than they were. Birds were meant to fly, and if it’s figuratively or literally, I’m guessing they are stretching their wings.

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