Wildfire prompts evacuations in Laguna Beach, Calif.

Feb. 10 (UPI) -- A wildfire along the coast of Southern California prompted Laguna Beach officials to issue evacuation orders to residents Thursday.

The Emerald Fire broke out around 4 a.m. Thursday near the Emerald Bay neighborhood of Laguna Beach, The Orange County Register reported.

The blaze consumed about 145 acres and was about 5% contained as of midday, the Orange County Fire Authority said.

Fire Chief Brian Fennessy told reporters the fire was "not spreading rapidly at this time."

"There are no communities immediately adjacent to where the fire is burning at this time," he added.

The city ordered evacuations for the communities of Irvine Cove and Emerald Cove, and issued an evacuation warning for all of North Laguna. All Laguna Beach School District schools and Anneliese Schools were also closed.