Wind-driven Norte Fire burns homes, threatens hundreds more in Southern California
A fast-moving wildfire burned several homes and threatened hundreds more in Southern California on Friday, as strong Santa Ana winds fueled its spread across parts of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.
The Norte Fire grew to 465 acres and remained 0% contained as of 4 p.m. Friday, according to fire officials. At least 6 homes had been impacted, and more than 500 firefighters were working to stop the flames from spreading to additional neighborhoods.
The Orange County Fire Authority said the fire began around 11:30 a.m. near Portico Del Norte and Eminencia Del Norte in San Clemente, east of Interstate 5, before spreading into neighboring San Juan Capistrano.
Aerial footage showed multiple homes burning as aircraft dropped water and fire retardant over the fire zone. Ground crews also used heavy streams of water to protect nearby properties.
OCFA Capt. Steve Concialdi said firefighters had managed to protect a large number of homes despite the rapidly spreading blaze. One firefighter was taken to a hospital for heat exhaustion, but no other injuries were reported.
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for San Juan Capistrano Zones 4, 5 and 10, as well as San Clemente Zones 12 and 13. Evacuation shelters were opened at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center and the San Clemente Community Center.
Nine schools in the Capistrano Unified School District were dismissed early, and after-school activities and sports were canceled because of the fire.
Authorities urged residents to follow evacuation orders and avoid the affected area as firefighters continued working in dangerous conditions. Strong winds and high temperatures were increasing the risk of further fire spread, while smoke from the blaze was expected to worsen air quality in parts of South Orange County.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
