Firefighters combat blaze in Talbert Park

Muddy trails and thick brush are hampering Costa Mesa firefighters’ efforts to battle a blaze in Talbert Park, authorities said Wednesday.

The Costa Mesa Fire Department responded just after 10 a.m. to a fire in the south end of the nature preserve near the Victoria Pond, said Capt. Chris Coates.

The fire is currently 100 feet by 50 feet and doesn’t appear to be growing too fast, Coates said.

“We’re trying our best to get water on it,” he said. “We have some extreme muddy trails and thick brush, which is hampering our ability to get in there.”

Huntington Beach’s police helicopter and Orange County Fire Authority will assist with water drops. OCFA is also sending engines to assist fighting the fire in the preserve.

Firefighters have not determined the cause of the fire.

—Hannah Fry