AP
Photos show wildfire fueled by high winds engulfing coastal homes in Southern California
- Jae C. Hong - AP
- Updated
A firefighters works to put out a fire on a house engulfed in flames during the Norte Fire on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, in San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
Jae C. Hong - APTags
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Fire crews in Southern California have gained ground on a wind-driven blaze that charred hills and burned at least six large coastal homes. This progress allowed evacuation orders to be lifted, letting thousands return home. Hundreds of firefighters worked on the blaze in Orange County, which sparked Friday amid hot, strong Santa Ana winds. The fire prompted the evacuation of about 16,000 residents. Most evacuations, except for one street in San Clemente, were lifted Saturday evening. The blaze remains under a square mile, and fire crews have increased containment to 25%.
