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Structures burning in South Orange County as Norte Fire grows
This is a developing story and will be updated. For the most up-to-date information about the fire you can check:
A brush fire near San Clemente spread to 250 acres Friday, prompting evacuation orders as multiple structures went up in flames.
The Norte Fire ignited around 11:30 a.m. near Portico Del Norte and Eminencia Del Norte in San Clemente, and was 0% contained as of 1:30 p.m., according to Cal Fire.
The fire was reportedly affecting homes in the area of Avenida Calita, Via La Mirada, and Via De Agua in San Juan Capistrano, with evacuations ordered for San Juan Zones 4, 5 and 10, and San Clemente Zones 12 and 13. Television news footage showed multiple homes on fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Fires have ignited across Southern California, including in the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu, amid gusty winds and dry conditions. Red flag warnings are in effect through Saturday, with cooler conditions and a chance of light rain expected to take over in the next few days.
The basics
- Acreage: 250 acres as of 1:30 p.m. Friday
- Containment: 0%
- Structures destroyed: Multiple structures caught fire, although there was no immediate official tally.
- Deaths: None
- Injuries: None reported
- Personnel working on fire: Multiple helicopters and water-dropping aircraft.
Evacuation map and orders
- SCL12
- SCL13
- SJC04
- SJC05
- SJC10
Evacuation shelters
San Juan Capistrano Community Center
25925 Camino del Avion,
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
San Clemente Community Center
100 N Calle Seville
San Clemente, CA 92672
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Fire resources and tips
Check out LAist's wildfire recovery guide
If you have to evacuate:
- Why fire officials don't want you to stay and defend your home
- How to get packed up
- How to leave your house
- What evacuation terms mean and how to sign up for alerts
Navigating fire conditions:
- How to drive in high winds and fire danger
- How to prep for power outages
- How to navigate poor air quality
How to help yourself and others:
- Resources for fire victims, evacuees and first responders
- If you want to help fire victims, resist the urge to volunteer
- How to help find lost pets
How to start the recovery process:
- What to do — and not do — when you get home after a wildfire
- How to make an insurance claim
- How to safely clean up wildfire ash
What to do for your kids:
- How to talk to children about wildfires and losing a home
- What parents should know about wildfire air quality
Prepare for the next disaster: