Photos show wildfire fueled by high winds engulfing coastal homes in Southern California
Resident Ephraim Taylor, grabs a garden hose in an effort to help with a wildfire spreading in his neighborhood, during the Norte Fire on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, in San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
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High winds are fueling a fast-moving fire that has burned homes in Southern California. At least six homes had burned in Southern California on Friday. Flames engulfed expensive coastal properties and prompted thousands to evacuate. Two firefighters were taken to the hospital with heat-related injuries. Black smoke was visible from far away while firefighters doused blazing homes. The wildfire started in the coastal city of San Clemente and quickly moved into San Juan Capistrano. It was one of several fires in the region that was hit by dry, warm gusts known as Santa Anas. They blow from the interior of Southern California toward the coast and offshore.
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%.
