Fast-moving SoCal wildfire grows overnight after burning several homes

A devastating wildfire in Orange County burned several homes Friday before growing in size overnight — as evacuated residents wait to return to their homes. The Norte Fire had burned 570 acres in an area near San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano as of about 8 a.m. Saturday, with 5% containment. The Norte Fire broke out around 11:30 a.m. Friday in the San Clemente area, growing to 465 acres in about three hours, according to the Orange County Fire Authority and Cal Fire . 8 The Norte Fire broke out around 11:30 a.m. Friday in the San Clemente area. Zuma / SplashNews.com 8 Firefighters work to douse a fire on a house in flames on Friday. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong The OCFA confirmed six homes had been damaged or destroyed in the blaze, having earlier cited “impacted” homes off Via La Mira in San Juan Capistrano. A firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and another firefighter was hurt, but no other injuries were reported. Explore More The extreme measures Oregon shooter took to enter the school — and why he targeted special-ed room Man who drugged and raped dead FIT student in NYC dorm texted nude pics of her rather than calling 911: feds Hero teacher tackled Oregon school shooter — who was armed to the teeth in special ed classroom 8 Firefighters battle the Norte Fire as it burns a house in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. AFP via Getty Images 8 A firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and another firefighter was injured, but no other injuries were reported. Zuma / SplashNews.com 8 Firefighters battle flames as a house burns during the Norte Fire in San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, Calif., Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. Anadolu via Getty Images Mike Yeun, battalion chief for the OCFA, gave a late-night update Friday, saying crews were working to battle the fire overnight and that evacuations continued. Firefighters are focusing on increasing containment, putting out hot spots, and keeping the fire in its current footprint, he said. “Our number one objective is safety of the community and our firefighters, and when it’s safe to do so, our second priority would be to get people back into their homes,” he said. The state secured a grant from FEMA “to help ensure critical resources are available to suppress the Norte Fire in South Orange County,” according to CalFire. Evacuation orders remained in place Saturday for San Juan Zones 4, 5, and 10, as well as San Clemente Zones 12 and 13. 8 The state secured a grant from FEMA “to help ensure critical resources are available to suppress the Norte Fire in South Orange County.” Anadolu via Getty Images 8 Heat, strong winds, and dry conditions fueled the fire’s rapid spread. Local football games were cancelled, and schools let out students to assist them in evacuating if necessary. Anadolu via Getty Images 8 The Bryson Fire continues to burn in Malibu with 147 acres torched and 52% containment. To the east of that fire, the Peak Fire is currently at 43.3 acres burned with 41% containment in Azusa. REUTERS Evacuation shelters for the fire include: Boys and Girls Club 1 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano San Juan Capistrano Community Center 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano San Clemente Community Center 100 Calle Seville, San Clemente Heat, strong winds, and dry conditions fueled the fire’s rapid spread. Local football games were cancelled Friday, and schools let out students early. The fire was one of four burning in Southern California on Saturday. The Bryson Fire continues to burn in Malibu, with 147 acres torched and 52% containment as of Saturday morning. In Azusa, the Peak Fire had scorched 43.3 acres with 41% containment as of Saturday morning. Near San Diego, the Henderson Fire near San Diego had burned more than 3,100 acres with 20% containment. Fires in Souther California covered nearly 3,900 acres. Ongoing Red Flag conditions are set to continue until 8 p.m. Saturday for most of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters California Post News : Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , X , YouTube , WhatsApp , LinkedIn California Post Sports Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , YouTube , X California Post Opinion California Post Newsletters : Sign up here! California Post App : Download here! Home delivery : Sign up here! Page Six Hollywood : Sign up here!