Wind-driven Norte Fire burns homes, forces evacuations in Orange County – NBC Los Angeles

A fast-moving wildfire fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds spread through hundreds of acres in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano on Friday, burning multiple homes and forcing residents in several neighborhoods to evacuate.

At least eight homes were burned as flames from the so-called Norte Fire swept through residential areas near Avenida Calita, Via La Mirada and Via De Agua in San Juan Capistrano. Aerial video from the scene showed flames tearing through the roofs of several buildings.

As of 2:40 p.m., the wildfire was estimated to be 465 acres, the Orange County Fire Authority said.

The fire broke out around 11:30 a.m. near Portico Del Norte, according to the OCFA. By early afternoon, it had rapidly expanded to at least 250 acres. No injuries were immediately reported.

Evacuation orders were issued across multiple neighborhoods in both cities, including areas along streets extending from Camino Las Ramblas to the 5 Freeway.

“Please evacuate, do not stand around,” Orange County Supervisor Vice Chair Katrina Foley told NBC4 in a message to people in the area. “I’m seeing all these people on the sidewalk looking at it like we’re watching some kind of a show. This is not a show. This is real life and it’s dangerous.”

Firefighters launched an aggressive response, deploying ground crews and water-dropping aircraft to combat the wind-driven flames. Additional strike teams were called in as the fire continued to spread.

Residents were advised to avoid the area. Crews were aggressively attacking the fire from the ground and air, the OCFA said.

Two evacuation centers were opened at:

• San Juan Capistrano Community Center located at 25925 Camino del Avion in San Juan Capistrano
• San Clemente Community Center located at 100 Calle Seville in San Clemente