Wall of Flames Races Toward Homes in San Clemente

A fast-moving wildfire raced across the hills toward homes in Southern California’s San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, forcing thousands to flee as air tankers bombarded the flames with retardant.

Footage released by the Orange County Fire Authority shows the view from a firefighting helicopter as a long line of flames burns along a ridge directly above rows of houses, while a second clip shows an air tanker laying a bright red stream of retardant over brush as firefighters work on a blackened slope below.

The Norte Fire broke out at about 11:33 a.m. on October 16 near Portico del Norte and Eminencia del Norte in San Clemente and grew to 570 acres within hours. OCFA issued evacuation orders for several zones in both cities and opened shelters at community centers in San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, urging residents: “If you are under an evacuation order, leave now.”

Six homes were damaged or destroyed, according to fire officials. Evacuation orders were lifted on the evening of October 17, and the fire was 80% contained by October 19. Its cause remains under investigation.