Norte Fire Destroys Coastal Homes In Southern California, 16,000 Evacuate
The Norte Fire burned at least six coastal homes and forced roughly 16,000 residents to evacuate Friday in San Juan Capistrano and nearby communities in Southern California.[1]
Shelters opened in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, and two firefighters were hospitalized with heat-related injuries while battling the blaze.[1] By Friday evening the fire was under one square mile and was driven by Santa Ana winds after starting in San Clemente.[1]
The blaze began in San Clemente and moved into San Juan Capistrano as strong Santa Ana winds pushed flames toward the coast.[1] A separate fire near Camp Pendleton closed part of Interstate 5 for hours and disrupted regional traffic.[1]
More than 118,000 customers in California were without power because of preventive shutoffs during the high fire risk.[1] Nine schools in San Juan Capistrano were closed Friday because of the fire conditions.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, October 16, 2026, the Norte Fire burned at least six homes in San Juan Capistrano, California.
- Roughly 16,000 residents were ordered to evacuate, and shelters opened in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.
- Two firefighters were hospitalized with heat-related injuries while battling the fire.
- The blaze, under one square mile Friday evening, was driven by Santa Ana winds after starting in San Clemente.
- A separate fire near Camp Pendleton closed a section of Interstate 5 for hours, disrupting regional traffic.
- More than 118,000 customers in California were without power due to preventive shutoffs during high fire risk.
- Nine schools in San Juan Capistrano were closed Friday because of the fire conditions.
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