Fire in Fullerton Forces Mandatory Evacuations, Water Drops

A brush fire erupted in Fullerton Wednesday night near the Robert E. Ward Nature Preserve and homes in the area were evacuated.

The fire was first reported about 7:40 p.m. in the area of Castlewood Drive and Gilbert Street, according to the Fullerton Police Department.

Flames scorched eight acres and firefighters contained the fire in the northeast corner of Castlewood Drive and Gilbert Street. No homes were at risk of burning, police said.

Evacuation orders were issued for residents of the following streets until firefighters fully extinguished the flames:

-- The 2200 block of Ardemore Drive;

-- the 2200 block of Pick Wick Place;

-- the 1700 block of Berkshire Drive;

-- all of Brooke, Chantilly, Somerset and Walker lanes;

-- the 1700 block of Deerwood Drive;

-- the 2100 block of Dalewood Avenue; and

-- the 1700 block of Summerwood Drive.

The Fullerton Community Center at 340 W. Commonwealth Ave. was opened for evacuees, police said.

Video from the scene showed helicopters making water drops on the fire and firefighters pulling hoses into place to try to knock out the flames.

Gilbert Street was closed between Rosecrans Avenue and Imperial Highway.