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Climate & Environment

Structures burning in South Orange County as Norte Fire grows

A large plume of smoke rises from a burning hillside.
The Norte Fire near San Clemente on Friday afternoon.
(
Alert California
/
UC San Diego
)

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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

    Orange County evacuation map

    • SCL12
    • SCL13
    • SJC04
    • SJC05
    • SJC10

    Evacuation shelters

    San Juan Capistrano Community Center
    25925 Camino del Avion,
    San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

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    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:

    Navigating fire conditions:

    How to help yourself and others:

    How to start the recovery process:

    What to do for your kids:

    Prepare for the next disaster:

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