The Bond Fire continued to burn inside Santiago Canyon in Irvine through Thursday night. By Friday, Dec. 4, Cal Fire reported the blaze’s size was reduced to 6,400 acres, which was originally reported to be 7,200 acres, as fire crews were able to establish a 10 percent containment around the fire.

As of Friday, Dec. 4, the Orange County Fire Authority reported the use of nearly one dozen aircraft, and 500 firefighters battling the blaze.

On Thursday, Dec. 3, the fire prompted the evacuation of 25,000 residents in parts of Irvine and Lake Forest including Black Star & Baker Canyon, Silverado Canyon, Modjeska Canyon, Foothill Ranch North, Foothill Ranch East, Portola Hills South, Portola Hills North, and Baker Ranch.

On Thursday, Dec. 3, the city of Irvine issued a voluntary evacuation order for Orchard Hills, as Santa Ana winds pushed the blaze further into Santiago Canyon. The Irvine Police Department addressed concerns from residents regarding mandatory evacuation alerts.

By 3:00 p.m. on Dec. 3, the Orchard Hills evacuation order had been lifted. However, mandatory evacuations still remained in place Friday for the city of Lake Forest.

The Bond Fire, a wind-driven wildfire, was sparked in Silverado Canyon near Irvine after flames from a structure fire reached vegetation. As of 5:30 a.m., Dec. 3, the Bond Fire had grown to 3,600 acres with no containment.

The fire was started after flames from a structure fire in Silverado Canyon reached dry vegetation.

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