FULLERTON (CNS) - A flare gun was found near where a brush fire erupted in Fullerton close to the Robert E. Ward Nature Preserve and residents of homes in the area that were evacuated were allowed to return this morning.
The fire was first reported about 7:40 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Castlewood Drive and Gilbert Street, according to the Fullerton Police Department.
Flames scorched 11 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.
Multiple broadcast reports stated a flare gun was found at the scene and arson investigators were called in to help determine the cause of the fire.
Residents in 10 neighborhoods around the fire were evacuated from their homes around 8 p.m. They were allowed to walk back to their homes around 10:30 p.m., but previously evacuated streets remained closed to traffic while firefighters worked to extinguish hot spots, police said.
The following streets were closed to vehicles until further notice:
-- The 2200 block of Ardemore Drive;
-- the 2200 block of Pickwick 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 blaze.
Gilbert Street was closed between Rosecrans Avenue and Imperial Highway.