World · North America · 3 hrs ago
Norte Fire reaches 250 acres and prompts evacuations near San Clemente
The Norte Fire broke out near San Clemente in Orange County, California, on Friday, October 16.
The vegetation fire grew to 250 acres and triggered evacuations in San Clemente and neighboring San Juan Capistrano.
The fire was reported to have burned eight homes in San Juan Capistrano, while flames reached the backyards of other residences.
Strong winds and the terrain helped the fire spread and put nearby structures at risk.
Evacuation orders covered parts of both cities, including San Juan Zones 4, 5 and 10 and San Clemente Zones 12 and 13.
Firefighters are attacking the fire from the ground and air, and people have been asked to stay away from the area.
The extent of damage to structures was not yet known.
The Norte Fire grew to 250 acres in the San Clemente area on Friday, prompting evacuation orders in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.
Eight homes were reported burning in San Juan Capistrano, while flames reached the backyards of other homes.
Firefighters were battling the vegetation fire from the ground and air as it threatened structures.
The fire was reported near Portico Del Norte and was driven by strong winds and terrain.
The extent of damage to structures was not immediately available.
- Who
- Orange County Fire Authority crews are responding to the fire. Residents in evacuation zones were ordered to leave.
- What
- The Norte Fire grew to 250 acres and prompted evacuations. Eight homes were reported burning in San Juan Capistrano.
- When
- Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. Firefighters responded shortly after 11:30 a.m.
- Where
- The San Clemente area and San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, California.
- Why
- The fire was driven by wind and terrain. Its cause was not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Firefighters responded to reports of the fire near San Clemente.
The fire had grown to an estimated 50 to 70 acres.
The Orange County Fire Authority reported that the fire had reached 250 acres, and evacuation orders were issued in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.
- Fire size
- 250 acres
- Evacuation zones
- San Juan Zones 4, 5 and 10; San Clemente Zones 12 and 13
- Homes reported burning
- 8 in San Juan Capistrano
- Fire response
- 15 engines were requested for structure protection
- Initial response
- Shortly after 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 16, 2026
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Evacuation orders are in place for San Juan Zones 4, 5, and 10 and San Clemente Zone 12. If you are in one of these zones, leave immediately. #NorteFire