The Norte Fire exploded to 570 acres and remained 0% contained as of 7:30 p.m. Friday after starting around 11:30 a.m. near Portico Del Norte and Eminencia Del Norte in San Clemente, east of Interstate 5. Fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, the fire spread into neighboring San Juan Capistrano, threatening thousands of homes and burning several structures.
OCFA Capt. Steve Concialdi said at least six homes have been impacted by the flames, while firefighters saved hundreds of thousands of others. At least 500 firefighters are battling the blaze, supported by air tankers dropping retardant and ground crews using heavy water streams. Two firefighters were injured, one taken to a hospital for heat exhaustion.
Evacuation orders remain in place for San Juan Zones 4, 5, and 10 and San Clemente Zone 12 and 13. Shelters are open at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center and San Clemente Community Center. Roads including the 5 Freeway between Vandergrift Boulevard and Basilone Road, Camino De Los Mares, Avenida La Pata, Camino Las Ramblas, La Novia Avenue, and San Juan Creek Road are closed. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Sources: 8 News Now
Original reporting: 8 News Now →
English (US)·