@torch1982: A fast-moving wildfire, driven by fierce Santa Ana winds, has torn through communities in south Orange County, California, burning multiple homes and forcing thousands to flee. The Norte Fire started around 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, near Portico Del Norte in San Clemente, and exploded to 465 acres within hours. Wind gusts reached up to 112 km/h, pushing the flames into San Juan Capistrano, where at least four to eight homes were seen burning, with flames leaping from rooftops and reaching backyards. Roughly 13,000 people are under mandatory evacuation orders, with zones SJC04, SJC05, SJC10, SCL12, and SCL13 affected. Two evacuation shelters have opened — San Juan Capistrano Community Center and San Clemente Community Center. Ten schools were dismissed early. The fire is currently 0% contained. Over 500 firefighters are battling the blaze from the ground and air, with more resources requested. Tens of thousands are without power across the region. The Norte Fire is one of several wildfires burning in Southern California amid the dangerous Santa Ana wind event. #NorteFire #SanJuanCapistrano #SanClemente #OrangeCounty #CaliforniaWildfire

Ali Pazarcikli

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Region: CA

Saturday 17 October 2026 00:36:27 GMT