Norte

Norte, Orange County Fire Authority. One mile northwest of San Clemente, CA. Grass and chaparral. Minimal fire behavior with smoldering, creeping and running. Numerous residences threatened. Road and trail closures in effect.

October 20, 2026 at 7:41 AM The Norte Fire is now 90% contained.

October 18, 2026 at 5:20 PM Evacuation Shelters are now closed for the Norte Fire.

October 17, 2026 at 7:26 PM

Effective today at 6 p.m., evacuation orders for San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano will be lifted, with the following exceptions and closures:

Via La Mirada will remain closed north of Esperanza to vehicle traffic to allow emergency crews to continue working.
The burn scar remains an active fire hazard area and is closed until further notice.

October 17, 2026 at 8:28 AM Crews worked throughout the night to attack the fire and strengthen containment lines. The fire remains at 570 acres and is now 5% contained.

As reported yesterday, six homes have been damaged or destroyed. The cause remains under investigation.

Today, crews will continue working to increase containment and get residents back home as soon as it is safe to do so.

October 16, 2026 at 7:28 PM California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help suppress the Norte Fire burning in Orange County near San Juan Capistrano.

Evacuation Orders have been issued for the following areas:

• SCL12
• SCL13
• SJC04
• SJC05
• SJC10

Evacuation Shelters

• San Juan Capistrano Community Center
  25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano
• San Clemente Community Center
  100 Calle Seville, San Clemente
• Boys and Girls Club
  1 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano