# Wildfires in Southern California: Bryson and Norte Fires > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/california-bryson-fire-in-malibu > Updated: 2026-10-16T11:50:12.000Z. Sources: 116. Developments: 2. The Norte Fire in Orange County has burned between 465 and 570 acres with 0% containment. The blaze has destroyed or heavily damaged at least six to eight homes in the San Juan Capistrano area, specifically near Avenida Calita, Via La Mirada, and Via De Agua. Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for five zones across San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, now affecting approximately 16,000 residents and 4,600 to 6,000 homes. As a precaution, ten schools in the Capistrano Unified School District dismissed students early. Emergency shelters remain established at community centers in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano to assist displaced residents. Over 750 to 800 firefighters are currently assigned to the Norte Fire, utilizing both ground and air resources. While no resident fatalities have been reported, two firefighters sustained heat-related injuries, including one case of heat exhaustion. In Malibu, the Bryson Fire has burned over 100 acres and reached approximately 17% containment, with more than 400 firefighters battling the blaze. Recent reports indicate the Bryson Fire has grown to approximately 146 to 200 acres, prompting evacuations in the Santa Monica Mountains. Additionally, the Henderson Fire near Camp Pendleton has expanded, impacting over 2,000 acres. Extreme weather remains a critical factor, as intense Santa Ana winds, high temperatures, and low humidity drive the fast-moving fires. These conditions, alongside precautionary utility shutoffs, have left over 175,000 customers without power across the region. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Saturday, with wind gusts potentially reaching up to 70 miles per hour, maintaining a high risk for further rapid fire growth. While most evacuation orders were lifted by Saturday evening, officials remain on high alert due to continued high temperatures and low humidity. ## Claims - At least four to six homes have been damaged or destroyed by the Norte Fire. (disputed by 19 sources) - Approximately 16,000 residents were ordered to evacuate due to the Norte Fire. (disputed by 11 sources) - Two firefighters were injured during the Norte Fire response. (disputed by 9 sources) - The Bryson Fire in Malibu reached 17% containment. (disputed by 7 sources) - The Norte Fire destroyed at least eight homes. (disputed by 4 sources) - One firefighter was injured during the firefighting efforts. (disputed by 4 sources) - Evacuation orders were issued for approximately 4,600 people in Orange County. (disputed by 3 sources) - Wind gusts reached up to 70 miles per hour. (disputed by 3 sources) - The Bryson Fire has burned approximately 200 acres. (disputed by 2 sources) - Wind gusts of up to 30 mph were reported, with forecasts indicating higher speeds. (disputed) - Santa Ana winds are causing high fire risk conditions. (corroborated by 27 sources) - Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for five zones in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. (corroborated by 14 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-16: Norte Fire causes mass evacuations and home destruction in Orange County The Norte Fire in Southern California has destroyed several homes and forced the evacuation of 16,000 people in Orange County, driven by powerful Santa Ana winds and high temperatures. 114 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/malibu-wildfire-triggers-evacuations-and-widespread-power-outages ### 2026-10-14: Wildfires trigger evacuations near Malibu as conservation and fire prevention efforts continue in Germany Wildfires near Malibu have triggered evacuations, while in Germany, conservation efforts for endangered cattle and new firefighting cooperation demonstrations are underway. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wildfires-trigger-evacuations-near-malibu-as-conservation-and-fire-prevention-efforts-continue-in-ge --- Cite as: Wildfires in Southern California: Bryson and Norte Fires. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/california-bryson-fire-in-malibu