Norte Fire Grows to 465 Acres, Prompts Evacuations

The Norte Fire ignited near Portico Del Norte in San Clemente just after 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, and grew from 250 acres to 465 acres by mid-afternoon. San Clemente Mayor Rick Loeffler told KNBC-TV at least eight homes were on fire along the ridgeline, citing city manager Andy Hall, and said it was starting to look very much like the Palisades situation. Evacuation orders covered San Clemente zones SCL12 and SCL13 and San Juan Capistrano zones SJC04, SJC05 and SJC10. The Orange County Fire Authority posted on X: If you are under an evacuation order, leave now. Interstate 5 closed both directions in the affected area. Shelters opened at San Juan Capistrano Community Center (25925 Camino del Avion) and San Clemente Community Center (100 Calle Seville). Nine Capistrano Unified schools dismissed early; the high school football game was cancelled. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Oct. 14 directed pre-positioning of aircraft, engines, firefighters and equipment in Orange County and other counties. Contested: Loeffler reported at least eight homes on fire; the fire authority did not confirm a structure count Friday afternoon. Acreage rose from 250 to 465 during the day. Final damage and containment were unresolved.