Irvine: Driver & Dog Escape Serious Injury After Fiery Crash Ignites Nearby Brush

06.12.2021 | 2:04 AM | IRVINE – A man and his dog escaped serious injury after a fiery crash on the SR-261 Freeway, early Saturday morning.

The crash was reported on the northbound SR-261 Freeway about one mile north of Portola Parkway around 2:04 AM.

When authorities arrived on scene they located a vehicle engulfed in flames with fire spreading to nearby brush.

Firefighters doused the flames, containing the blaze to an area of about 50′ x 50′, and preventing fire from spreading to vegetation beyond the center divider.

The driver of the vehicle, and his small black dog, were able to exit their vehicle before it was consumed by flames.

The man sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment but his dog appeared uninjured.

Preliminary information suggests the driver was traveling southbound on the SR-261 when he collided with a guard rail and careened down an embankment onto the northbound side.

At some point during the crash the vehicle erupted into flames.

Highway patrol officers and fire investigators are working to determine what led up to the fiery crash.

Miles Madison

Miles started reporting breaking news in 2015 and has been providing high-quality news video and timely reports from the Orange County area ever since. Combining his experience as a seasoned photojournalist, radio operator and sleuth, Miles provides unrivaled multimedia news reports.