Norte Fire reaches 90% containment in Orange County

The Norte Fire, which burned approximately 570 acres in Orange County, has reached 90% containment as of Tuesday. The blaze began around 11:30 a.m. on Friday near Portico del Norte in San Clemente and was rapidly driven by fierce Santa Ana winds.

The fire spread into San Juan Capistrano, destroying or damaging seven homes. Early evacuation orders affected roughly 6,000 residential properties and 16,000 people. Firefighters have been working to secure containment lines and patrol the perimeter to prevent rekindling from embers.

Orange County Fire Authority officials noted that drones equipped with infrared cameras are being used to detect hidden heat sources that could spark new fires if winds return. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.