Norte Fire destroys coastal homes as high winds sweep Southern California

The wind-driven Norte Fire has destroyed at least six homes in Orange County, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate as multiple wildfires burn across Southern California.

Fierce Santa Ana winds and unseasonably high temperatures fueled the Norte Fire after it erupted on Friday south of Los Angeles. According to BBC News, the blaze grew to 570 acres by Saturday morning and remains only 5% contained. Division 3 Fire Chief Mark Backoff confirmed that six homes have been damaged or destroyed by the fire, and one firefighter has been treated for heat exhaustion.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued red flag warnings across several counties, citing low humidity and dry vegetation. Winds reached speeds of 40mph in the Los Angeles area on Friday, creating what officials described as critical conditions for fire spread. BBC News noted that online footage showed blazes tearing through homes in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, while France 24 reported that expensive coastal properties have been engulfed.

The Norte Fire is one of ten active wildfires currently burning in the state. In Los Angeles County, the Bryson Fire has burned 147 acres in Malibu and is 52% contained. Meanwhile, the Henderson Fire in San Diego County has reached over 3,100 acres, including areas around Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The size of that blaze forced officials to close the I-5 highway twice.

Forecasts expect temperatures to reach 95F (35C) on Saturday. Al Jazeera reported that the fire spread is being driven by intense warm winds and unseasonably high temperatures. While winds were expected to peak on Friday, the NWS warned that dangerous conditions would persist into Saturday morning, with a heat advisory remaining in effect.

Background

The Santa Ana winds, which typically begin in late September and last through May, are driving these fast-moving fires during a period of far above average temperatures for Southern California.