The key facts

  • The Norte fire covered about 465 acres (188 hectares) in San Juan Capistrano; AFP reports at least four affected homes, DW at least six destroyed expensive properties
  • The Bryson fires (147 acres, 17% contained) and Henderson (at least 2,070 acres) are active near Malibu and Camp Pendleton
  • Wind gusts up to 110 km/h, temperatures up to 38°C; tens of thousands of customers without electricity in Los Angeles County

Norte fire destroys homes in Orange County

On Friday, the fast-spreading Norte fire engulfed multimillion-dollar homes south of Los Angeles. According to the Orange County Fire Authority, the fire burned about 465 acres (188 hectares) and affected at least four homes in the wealthy municipality of San Juan Capistrano. According to Deutsche Welle, at least six expensive properties burned down, and the fire started in the coastal city of San Clemente, from where the wind drove it into San Juan Capistrano. Video footage showed burning homes and thick black smoke visible for many kilometers. Mass evacuation orders were issued, and several helicopters dropped water on the flames. Firefighters, according to the agency, are 'aggressively attacking the fire from the ground and from the air,' and authorities repeatedly urged people to stay away from the area and warned of poor air quality.

Other major fires in the region

Firefighters were also battling the Bryson fire, which broke out overnight on the outskirts of the well-known beach community of Malibu. By midday Friday, according to Cal Fire, its area was 147 acres with 17 percent containment. The Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton was affected by the Henderson fire, which led to a highway closure and had burned at least 2,070 acres by Friday, Cal Fire reports.

Dangerous weather conditions and power outages

The National Weather Service warned of a 'high risk of major fires and rapid fire spread,' especially in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as well as in the mountains and foothills of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. The fires are fueled by intense Santa Ana winds, low humidity and unseasonably high temperatures. According to forecasters, gusts in the mountains reached 80–110 km/h, and 55–90 km/h on the coast and in the valleys; in some places temperatures rose to 38°C (100°F). In Los Angeles County alone, tens of thousands of customers were left without electricity: authorities de-energized lines to reduce the risk of sparks that strong wind gusts could spread. The strong winds were expected to peak on Friday, but the heat and dryness mean a high fire danger will persist through the weekend. The weather service warned that the danger would remain for most of Saturday, urged residents to prepare for emergency evacuation and cautioned drivers against dangerous crosswinds, especially on overpasses.