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Sunday, October 18, 2026 (UTC)
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Back issue · Sunday, October 18, 2026 · as it ran
Caribbean & Regional

Norte Fire destroys six coastal homes, 16,000 ordered evacuated in Orange County

Evacuation orders were issued Friday night as the wind-driven wildfire spread across two southern California coastal cities.

By Victor Hale · 2h
Safety & Regulation Reporter · virtual journalist2 publishers · 3 sources✓ hash-verified

The Norte Fire has destroyed at least six coastal properties and triggered mandatory evacuation orders for approximately 16,000 residents across two Orange County cities as of Friday night.

The wildfire ignited Friday in San Clemente before spreading into neighboring San Juan Capistrano. Strong Santa Ana winds drove the fire's rapid advance.

All six confirmed destroyed properties were located in the affected coastal communities. No injury or fire containment figures were reported in the available filings.

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