Wildfire races through upscale Southern California community

Officials in the city of Laguna Niguel, south of Los Angeles, said in a news release that a mandatory evacuation zone of 900 homes had dropped to just 131.

The announcement came as powerful winds eased and firefighters continued to battle stubborn flames of a blaze dubbed the Coastal Fire.

By Friday afternoon, the fire was 25 percent contained after having charred at least 200 acres, destroyed 20 homes and damaged 11 more, the Orange County Fire Authority reported.

About 563 firefighters are battling the blaze, according to the OCFA. Two firefighters were injured but have been released from the hospital.

Local winds across Orange County were not expected to reach more than 10 mph on Friday, down from peak gusts of 16 mph on Thursday and 30 mph on Wednesday afternoon when the wildfire ignited.