A fast-moving fire swept into neighborhoods in southern California on Friday as the region braced for more hot, windy weather. The blaze, known as the Norte fire, started in Orange County and quickly grew to more than 465 acres. Video from local news helicopters showed several homes on fire, and officials said at least six houses had been affected. In one photo, a row of homes at the end of a cul-de-sac was reduced to dark debris, while other buildings were covered in red fire-retardant. Tens of thousands of people in San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente were ordered to leave their homes.
Another fire, called the Henderson fire, broke out at Camp Pendleton and spread across more than 2,000 acres. The main highway, Interstate 5, was closed in both directions because of thick black smoke. A third fire, the Bryson fire, burned near Malibu in the Santa Monica Mountains. It covered about 146 acres and was 17% contained by Friday. Nine schools dismissed students early, and firefighters worked through the night to protect a juvenile detention facility. More than 285 firefighters battled the flames, with only minor injuries reported.
The hot weather and strong winds are expected to continue until Saturday, with gusts up to 65 mph and temperatures near 92F. Fire officials warned that flare-ups could happen as winds increased. More than 7,200 structures remained under threat from the Bryson fire, but none were damaged or destroyed. Local officials asked residents to keep roads clear so emergency crews could move easily. Fire Chief Anthony Morrone said crews held the line and no lives were put in danger. The Santa Ana winds, blowing from the interior toward the coast, could continue to create extreme fire conditions.