A wind-driven wildfire has damaged or destroyed six homes in Southern California’s Orange County and was 5% contained Saturday morning at 570 acres, the Orange County Fire Authority said.
The Norte Fire started around 11:30 a.m. local time Friday near San Clemente and spread into neighboring San Juan Capistrano, the New York Post reported. It grew to about 465 acres in roughly three hours. The cause is under investigation.
Where things stand
- Size: 570 acres, 5% contained as of Saturday morning, according to OCFA. Crews worked through the night to strengthen containment lines.
- Homes: Six damaged or destroyed. OCFA first reported four homes hit off Via La Mirada in San Juan Capistrano on Friday afternoon.
- Injuries: One firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and another was hurt, the Post reported. No other injuries were reported.
- Evacuations: Orders remained in place Saturday for San Juan Capistrano zones 4, 5 and 10 and San Clemente zones 12 and 13.
- Shelters: San Juan Capistrano Community Center, San Clemente Community Center and an overnight shelter at the Boys & Girls Club in San Juan Capistrano, where animals are allowed.
State and federal help
CAL FIRE said it had crews staged in the area before the fire began, which let more resources reach the first attack quickly. The state also secured a FEMA grant to help pay for firefighting resources, the Post reported, citing CAL FIRE.
“Our number one objective is safety of the community and our firefighters,” OCFA Battalion Chief Mike Yeun said Friday night. He said getting residents home would come next, once it is safe.
Other fires burning
The Norte Fire is one of four fires burning in Southern California this weekend. The Post reported the Henderson Fire near San Diego at more than 3,100 acres, the Bryson Fire in Malibu at 147 acres and the Peak Fire in Azusa at about 43 acres. Heat, strong winds and dry brush drove the fast spread.
Dry, windy weather is also a concern closer to home. A Red Flag Warning covers Ashley and Chicot counties in Southeast Arkansas until 7 p.m. Saturday. See iSEARK.com’s Red Flag Warning and burn ban coverage.
Sources: Orange County Fire Authority and CAL FIRE posts on X, Oct. 16-17, 2026; New York Post, Oct. 17, 2026.
