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Brush Fire Threatens Homes in San Juan Capistrano

A brush fire threatened homes Wednesday afternoon near Saddleback Church in San Juan Capistrano, blackening 10 acres and threatening some structures in the area, but crews appeared to be gaining the upper hand.

The blaze started just after 2 p.m. between Camino Capistrano and Golden Lantern near the church, according to Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Larry Kurtz.

There were no immediate reports of injuries, but the flames threatened some structures in the area, Kurtz said.

About 90 firefighters were battling the blaze from the ground and the air, Kurtz said.

"The good news is we don't have a lot of wind driving this fire," he said.

The blaze is "slope-driven," meaning its progress is shaped by the topography, according to Kurtz, who said the hills in the area were slowing down the flames.

By 5:40 p.m., Kurtz said the fire was "under control."

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"We're going to have a presence here all night long, making sure the fire doesn't jump the line overnight," Kurtz said.

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