SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — A fast-moving wildfire driven by Santa Ana winds burned homes in south Orange County on Friday and forced about 16,000 people to evacuate from San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.
The Norte Fire started around 11:30 a.m. near Portico Del Norte, according to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). By Friday night it had grown to 570 acres and was 0% contained.
Homes damaged and firefighters hurt
OCFA confirmed that six homes were damaged or destroyed, most of them believed to be on the San Juan Capistrano side. Aerial images suggested the number could be eight or more. Damage assessment teams had not yet been sent in.
Two firefighters were taken to hospitals with what the agency called significant injuries. Both were reported to be in stable condition.
OCFA Public Information Officer Steve Concialdi said firefighters had saved thousands of homes in the area.
Who had to leave
The evacuation orders cover roughly 4,600 homes and 16,000 residents, according to OCFA Chief TJ McGovern. The affected zones are SJC04, SJC05 and SJC10 in San Juan Capistrano, and SCL12 and SCL13 in San Clemente. The area sits between Interstate 5, Ortega Highway and Avenida La Pata.
Orange County sheriff’s deputies went door to door telling people to leave. County Supervisor Katrina Foley said anyone who could see smoke and flames should go.
Part of northbound Interstate 5 was closed as the flames moved toward the freeway. The southbound I-5 on-ramp from Ortega Highway was also closed.
The firefight
The fire grew from about 10 acres shortly after noon to 50 acres, then 250, then 465 acres within a few hours. By evening it had reached 570 acres.
OCFA said about 400 firefighters had responded and 400 more were on the way. Crews attacked the fire from the ground and the air. Battalion Chief Mark Backhoff said the agency had placed extra resources in strategic spots ahead of time because of the fire weather.
McGovern said firefighters had no trouble getting water onto the fire. He told reporters that most of the fire had been knocked down, though it was still 0% contained. He said the crews’ goal was to keep it within its current footprint.
Weather conditions
A Santa Ana wind event and hot temperatures raised the fire danger across Southern California on Friday. OCFA said the terrain, combined with the wind, let the fire grow quickly. Other fires were also burning in the region.
What to know if you’re in the area
- An evacuation order means leave immediately. The area is legally closed to the public.
- Check your zone on the Orange County evacuation map.
- Expect road closures and heavy traffic around I-5 in San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente.
What’s next
The cause of the fire has not been announced. Officials have not said when residents will be allowed back. OCFA and Cal Fire are posting updates on acreage, containment and evacuation changes as they come in.
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