Norte Fire in Orange County grows in size as homes burn

A devastating wildfire in Orange County burned several homes Friday before growing in size overnight — as evacuated residents wait to return to their homes.

The Norte Fire had burned 570 acres in an area near San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano as of about 8 a.m. Saturday, with 5% containment.

The Norte Fire broke out around 11:30 a.m. Friday in the San Clemente area, growing to 465 acres in about three hours, according to the Orange County Fire Authority and Cal Fire.

The OCFA confirmed six homes had been damaged or destroyed in the blaze, having earlier cited “impacted” homes off Via La Mira in San Juan Capistrano.

A firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and another firefighter was hurt, but no other injuries were reported.

Mike Yeun, battalion chief for the OCFA, gave a late-night update Friday, saying crews were working to battle the fire overnight and that evacuations continued. Firefighters are focusing on increasing containment, putting out hot spots, and keeping the fire in its current footprint, he said.

“Our number one objective is safety of the community and our firefighters, and when it’s safe to do so, our second priority would be to get people back into their homes,” he said.

The state secured a grant from FEMA “to help ensure critical resources are available to suppress the Norte Fire in South Orange County,” according to CalFire.

Evacuation orders remained in place Saturday for San Juan Zones 4, 5, and 10, as well as San Clemente Zones 12 and 13.

Evacuation shelters for the fire include:

• Boys and Girls Club
  1 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano
• San Juan Capistrano Community Center
  25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano
• San Clemente Community Center
  100 Calle Seville, San Clemente

Heat, strong winds, and dry conditions fueled the fire’s rapid spread. Local football games were cancelled Friday, and schools let out students early.

The fire was one of four burning in Southern California on Saturday.

The Bryson Fire continues to burn in Malibu, with 147 acres torched and 52% containment as of Saturday morning. In Azusa, the Peak Fire had scorched 43.3 acres with 41% containment as of Saturday morning.

Near San Diego, the Henderson Fire near San Diego had burned more than 3,100 acres with 20% containment.

Fires in Souther California covered nearly 3,900 acres.

Ongoing Red Flag conditions are set to continue until 8 p.m. Saturday for most of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

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