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Coastal homes burn as hot winds fuel California fires
NPR • • general
Key Points:
- A fast-moving wildfire fueled by high Santa Ana winds burned at least six homes in Southern California's San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, prompting evacuation orders for about 16,000 residents.
- The fire, known as the Norte fire, started in San Clemente and spread into San Juan Capistrano, with firefighters battling flames near expensive coastal properties and historic sites.
- Two firefighters were hospitalized with heat-related injuries, and authorities have not yet determined the cause of the blaze, which covered less than a square mile by Friday evening.
- Power outages affected over 118,000 customers as utilities proactively shut off electricity to reduce fire risks, and a separate fire near Camp Pendleton caused major traffic disruptions on Interstate 5.
- Local schools were closed, evacuation shelters opened, and residents expressed concern as smoke darkened skies, with fire officials warning that dry, warm gusts and heat advisories would continue through Saturday night.
