A significant brush fire broke out near Seal Beach, California, alongside the 405-605 freeway interchange on Thursday afternoon. Firefighters responded swiftly to the scene, working diligently to combat the flames which threatened to engulf nearby areas. The blaze, which is still under investigation regarding its cause, prompted immediate traffic advisories as multiple lanes were closed to ensure safety and facilitate emergency response efforts. According to officials, the fire was reported around 3:30 PM and quickly grew in size, prompting support from multiple fire agencies. Crews employed aggressive tactics, utilizing air support and ground resources to contain the fire. The Orange County Fire Authority reported that the flames reached approximately 50 acres before containment efforts began to take effect. As of the latest updates, no injuries have been reported, but the situation remains monitored closely. Local residents were advised to stay informed and heed warnings regarding possible evacuations as the fire continued to pose a risk. Seal Beach Mayor Joe Kalmick commended the efforts of firefighters, stating, ‘We appreciate the rapid response of our local fire teams in managing this situation.’ The impact on traffic was significant, with drivers on the 405 freeway advised to seek alternate routes during peak hours as slowdowns persisted amidst the emergency operations. Efforts to fully extinguish the fire are ongoing, with fire crews remaining on the scene as the situation evolves.
