Norte Fire Map (Archive): Evacuation Streets in San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente

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Informational page, not an official source. Check your address on the OC evacuation zone map or Genasys Protect and follow @OCFireAuthority. If you are told to leave, leave.

In an evacuation ORDER zone? Leave now.

Zones under order right now: . Take the 6 P's and go. You have about 10 minutes.

People and pets. Pets in carriers or on leashes first. Bring their food, water and medicine.
Prescriptions. Medicines, glasses, hearing aids, CPAP, chargers.
Papers. ID, insurance cards, deeds, passports. A phone photo of each is fine.
Phones. Phone, charger, battery pack.
Personal needs. Clothes, water, a mask (N95 if you have one).
Plastic. Wallet, cards, some cash.

Close all windows and doors but leave them unlocked. Leave a light on so crews can see your house in the smoke. Do not stop to pack anything else. If you are not sure whether you are in a zone and you see fire or heavy smoke, leave anyway. Need help leaving? Call 911.

Driving out

Do not head south. I-5 is closed in both directions south of San Clemente because of the Henderson Fire at Camp Pendleton.
Do not plan on I-5 near the fire. A hard closure was requested from San Juan Creek Road to Camino De Los Mares.
Do not take Avenida La Pata south. Closed southbound from Ortega Highway to Avenida Vista Hermosa.
Do not take Ortega Highway into the mountains unless officers tell you to.
Drive away from the smoke. Go where deputies and fire crews point you, even if your map app says otherwise. Roads close fast.
Headlights on. Windows up. Air on recirculate. Drive slowly in smoke. Live closures: Caltrans QuickMap.

Resumen en español

¿Está en una zona con ORDEN de evacuación? Salga ahora. Zonas con orden: .

Lleve a su familia y sus mascotas, sus medicinas, sus documentos (identificación, seguro), su teléfono y cargador, y dinero. Cierre ventanas y puertas. Deje una luz encendida.

No maneje hacia el sur: la I-5 está cerrada al sur de San Clemente. No use la Avenida La Pata hacia el sur. Siga las instrucciones de los policías y bomberos.

Albergue nocturno: Boys & Girls Club, 1 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano (se permiten animales). De día (8 AM a 8 PM): San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion · San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville. Animales: OC Animal Care, 1630 Victory Road, Tustin · CASA, 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente.

Humo: quédese adentro, ponga el aire en "recircular" y use una mascarilla N95. No regrese a casa hasta que las autoridades lo permitan. Alertas: AlertOC y @OCFireAuthority. Emergencias: llame al 911.

Am I in an evacuation zone?

Archived: the address checker is off. Use the OC zone map link above for current status.

Evacuation shelters (OCFA)

Overnight shelter: Boys & Girls Club1 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano · Open overnight. Animals allowed. Bring medications. · directions San Juan Capistrano Community Center25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano · Care and reception 8 AM to 8 PM. Small pets accepted. · directions San Clemente Community Center100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente · Care and reception 8 AM to 8 PM. Small pets accepted. · directions

Per OC Sheriff at 8:12 PM. The Boys & Girls Club is the overnight shelter and allows animals. The two community centers run care and reception 8 AM to 8 PM. Bring medicines, ID and chargers. If you need a ride, call 911.

Schools

Capistrano Unified: nine schools dismissing early. Elementary: parents report to the school for pickup. Secondary: pick up or authorize release via school messages.

Bernice Ayer MiddleClarence Lobo ElementaryConcordia ElementaryHarold Ambuehl ElementarySan Clemente HighSan Juan Hills HighShorecliffs MiddleTruman Benedict ElementaryVista Del Mar

Animal shelters

OC Animal Care emergency shelter (dogs, cats, small pets)1630 Victory Road, Tustin · For San Juan Capistrano evacuees. Bring photo ID, vaccination records, special food, medications. Pets or large animals: 714-935-6848 (8 AM to 5 PM) or 714-259-1122 (5 PM to 8 AM).San Clemente / Dana Point Animal Shelter (CASA)221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente · Accepting pets from San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano evacuees. Intake until 7 PM, reopens 7 AM.

Status

570acres (OCFA est.)

75%containment

11:30 AMstarted, Oct 16

Damage: OCFA: at least six homes damaged or destroyed, on Via La Mirada and nearby (reported 5:44 PM). Broadcast video and photos suggest the count may be higher. Final numbers come after damage inspection.

Injuries: Two firefighters injured per NBC 7 (11:20 PM); OCFA earlier confirmed one treated for heat exhaustion. No civilian injuries reported.

OCFA public information hotline: 714-628-7085

Evacuation orders (leave now):

San Juan Capistrano 4San Juan Capistrano 5San Juan Capistrano 10San Clemente 12San Clemente 13

Loading archived zone statuses…

Road and facility closures: Via La Mirada closed to vehicles north of Esperanza for OCFA access (OCSD 6:12 PM Oct 17) · Burn scar ('Norte Fire - Unsafe Area' on the county map) closed until further notice (OCSD 6:12 PM Oct 17) · Oct 16: Avenida La Pata southbound closed between Ortega Hwy and Avenida Vista Hermosa (requested 1:54 PM) (not re-confirmed since repopulation; expect reopened) · Oct 16: Nine Capistrano Unified schools dismissing early (check school messages) (not re-confirmed since repopulation; expect reopened) · Oct 16: I-5 hard closure requested from San Juan Creek Rd to Camino De Los Mares (radio traffic 1:29 PM) (not re-confirmed since repopulation; expect reopened) · Oct 16: I-5 closed both directions south of San Clemente (Henderson Fire, Camp Pendleton) (not re-confirmed since repopulation; expect reopened) · Oct 16: Prima Deshecha Landfill closed (not re-confirmed since repopulation; expect reopened)

Fire perimeter: the solid red area on the map is the NIFC (federal incident) mapped perimeter from 5:42 PM PT, mirrored from Watch Duty. Preliminary; it does not show which homes are damaged.

Per radio traffic at 1:02 PM: all streets off Camino Las Ramblas down to I-5 and around to the San Juan dump. The red and yellow zones on the map are the live county evacuation areas.

Wind now

5 mphgusts 6 mph · from 269°San Clemente Pier · 11:30 AM

6 mphgusts 11 mph · from 225°Ortega · 11:30 AM

0 mphfrom 180°Laguna Hills · 11:30 AM

Purple arrows on the map sit at each NWS station and point the way the wind is blowing. Size scales with speed and the purple darkens as gusts pass 25 and 35 mph. Tap one for the raw observation.

Observed 18:30 UTC at San Clemente Pier. Wind is pushing the fire downwind.

12:00SW 5 mph13:00SW 5 mph14:00SW 5 mph15:00SW 5 mph16:00SW 5 mph17:00SW 5 mph18:00SW 5 mph19:00 0 mph

Air quality: loading…

Forecast: NWS San Diego hourly grid. Observations: NWS stations. Temperatures 71°F, humidity 76%.

In a WARNING zone or nearby? Get ready now.

Pack the car and park it facing out. Keep the gas tank at least half full.
Put pets in one room so you can catch them fast.
Move flammable things away from the house: patio cushions, doormats, firewood, trash cans.
Close windows, doors and vents. Shut off the air conditioner's fresh-air intake.
Keep your phone charged and turn on emergency alerts. Sign up at AlertOC.
If you need extra time to leave (older adults, people with disabilities, families with babies, large animals), leave now. Do not wait for an order.

Smoke

Stay inside with windows and doors closed. Set your AC or HVAC to recirculate, or close its fresh-air intake. Use a MERV 13 filter if your system takes one.
Outside, wear a NIOSH-approved N95 that fits snugly. Paper dust masks and bandanas do not block smoke. Children under 2 should not wear masks.
In the car, windows up and air on recirculate. Skip outdoor exercise. Watch kids, older adults and anyone with asthma or heart disease.
Air quality by ZIP: AirNow Fire and Smoke Map or South Coast AQMD. Trouble breathing or chest pain: call 911.

Pets and large animals

Take your pets with you. Do not leave them behind or tied up. Bring a leash or carrier, food, water, medicine, vaccine records and a photo of your pet.
Pets: the overnight shelter at the Boys & Girls Club (1 Via Positiva, SJC) allows animals. OC Animal Care is housing dogs, cats and small pets at 1630 Victory Road, Tustin; CASA at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente takes pets until 7 PM and reopens 7 AM. Bring a carrier, food, vaccine records and your photo ID.
Horses and livestock: move them early. Trailers are slow on smoky, crowded roads. For large-animal help call OC Animal Care, 714-935-6848 (8 AM to 5 PM) or 714-259-1122 (5 PM to 8 AM). Check OC Animal Care and @OCSheriff. In past fires the county has used the OC Fair & Event Center, but call before you go.
Animal owners who need help: OC Animal Care, (714) 935-6848.

Power and gas

SCE may cut power in high winds. Check your address on the SCE outage map. Treat every downed line as live. Stay far away and call 911.
Gas: your priority is getting out. You do not need to shut off your gas meter before leaving. If you smell gas, leave right away and call 911 from outside. If your gas is shut off, do not turn it back on yourself; only SoCalGas can restore it.
Turn off propane tanks if you can do it quickly. Generators go outside only, never in a garage.

Going home

Not yet. Evacuation orders are still in place. Do not try to get around roadblocks.
The Sheriff and OCFA will lift orders zone by zone. You will hear it through AlertOC, Genasys Protect, @OCFireAuthority and your city's website. This page will repost it, but official alerts come first.
When you go back, bring ID showing your address, plus N95 masks, gloves, boots and water. Watch for hot spots, ash pits and downed lines.

Want to help?

Do not drive to the fire area. Extra cars block fire engines and people trying to leave.
Do not drop off clothes or goods unless a shelter publicly asks for them. Cash to an established relief group is the most useful gift.
To volunteer, sign up through an established group. Do not show up on your own. Watch for fake fundraisers.

Wind-driven spread guide (not a forecast) · how it is computed, with the math

--rough head speed, mph

--rough 1 hr run, miles

--rough flame length, ft

Computing from live wind…

The gray outlines on the map show only which way today's wind would push the fire and roughly how fast, if nothing stopped it. They are not a forecast and not an evacuation map. Embers can start new fires a mile or more ahead of the flames, so areas outside the outlines are not safe. The starting points were set by hand from reports at 5:42 PM and may be out of date. Evacuation decisions come only from OCFA and the Sheriff. Rothermel surface fire model, Scott and Burgan SH5 shrub fuel, Anderson ellipse, slope 25%, containment treated as 0%, clipped at the coastline. No spotting, no suppression, no wind shifts. Full equations, inputs and sources. Front assumed: Downwind edge of the NIFC perimeter mapped 5:42 PM PT, taken automatically from the perimeter.

These shapes are a rough estimate of where the fire could go if nothing stops it, not an official map. Follow OCFA, CAL FIRE and the Sheriff.

Streets in the updates

Tap a street to zoom to it.

Final timeline (PT, newest first)

Updates ended 1:35 PM Oct 19 PT. Newest Watch Duty report 9:10 AM. Includes OCFA and agency posts, Watch Duty reports, and automatic entries when acreage, containment, zones or the perimeter change.

Oct 19 1:35 PMLive updates on this page ended. Final status: 570 acres, 75% contained (OCFA, 9:10 AM); all evacuation orders lifted since 6:01 PM Oct 17; the burn scar stays closed where the county map shows an Unsafe Area. Follow @OCFireAuthority for the final containment report.
Oct 19 9:22 AMContainment now 75%.
Oct 19 9:10 AMOCFA: containment up to 75% at 570 acres. All evacuation orders remain lifted; the burn scar stays closed.
Oct 19 9:06 AMOCFA: #NorteFire Update Containment has increased to 75%. Crews will continue working to extinguish hot spots and strengthen containment lines.
Oct 18 6:45 PMOCFA: #NorteFire Incident Update The fire remains at 570 acres, and containment has increased to 60%. Crews will continue working through the night. Please avoid the burn scar area. >>>
Oct 18 5:04 PMContainment now 60%.
Oct 18 4:57 PMContainment up to 60% per the National Interagency Fire Center (via Watch Duty). 570 acres. All evacuation orders remain lifted; the burn scar stays closed.
Oct 18 12:58 PMOCFA: the magnitude of this homeowner’s loss, recovering these priceless family heirlooms meant the world to her. As we continue extinguishing hot spots and increasing containment of the #NorteFire, our hearts remain with everyone affected.
Oct 18 10:18 AMContainment now 50%.
Oct 18 10:13 AMOCFA: containment up to 50% at 570 acres. 467 firefighters remain assigned, strengthening lines and extinguishing hot spots. All evacuation orders remain lifted; the burn scar stays closed.
Oct 18 10:07 AMOCFA: #NorteFire Update Containment has increased to 50%. A total of 467 firefighters remain assigned, working to strengthen containment lines and extinguish hot spots.
Oct 18 8:44 AMAcreage updated to 570 (Watch Duty / OCFA).
Oct 18 8:40 AMOCFA morning update: 570 acres, 25% contained. Crews will keep building containment and begin suppression repair, restoring ground disturbed by dozers and hand lines to limit erosion. All evacuation orders remain lifted; the burn scar stays closed.
Oct 18 8:28 AMOCFA: #NorteFire Update • All evacuation orders lifted • 570 acres • 25% containment • Cause under investigation Crews will work to increase containment and begin suppression repair—repairing areas disturbed by firefighting to help reduce erosion.
Oct 17 7:28 PMOCFA: #NorteFire Update All evacuation orders lifted. Via La Mirada remains closed to vehicles north of Esperanza. • 570 acres • 25% containment • Cause under investigation Damage assessment teams surveyed the area today and confirmed seven homes were damaged or destroyed.
Oct 17 6:27 PMContainment now 25%.
Oct 17 6:12 PMOrange County Sheriff's Department confirms: all evacuation orders lifted (SCL12, SJC04, SJC05 and SJC 10 A released; SCL13 and SJC 10 B were released earlier). Via La Mirada remains closed to vehicle traffic north of Esperanza for OCFA access. The burn scar is an active fire hazard and closed until further notice. Containment up to 25% per OCFA.
Oct 17 6:04 PMOCFA: #NorteFire Repopulation Update 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 >>>
Oct 17 6:04 PMEvacuation order zones now: .
Oct 17 6:04 PMEvacuation LIFTED for zone(s) SCL12, SCL13, SJC 10 A, SJC 10 B, SJC04, SJC05 on the OC Public Works map. Residents may return; check the map for your address before driving in.
Oct 17 6:01 PMALL EVACUATION ORDERS LIFTED. The OC Public Works map lifted the last four zones (SCL12, SJC04, SJC05 and SJC 10 A) at 6:01 PM; Watch Duty's order list cleared at 6:10 PM. Residents of every zone may return home. The burned footprint is marked 'Norte Fire - Unsafe Area' and remains closed. Drive slowly, expect crews and hoses, follow deputies. Fire still 5% contained at 570 acres; crews stay on the lines.
Oct 17 5:59 PMNew FIRIS fire perimeter mapped; map updated.
Oct 17 2:16 PMEvacuation LIFTED for zone(s) SCL13, SJC 10 B on the OC Public Works map. Residents may return; check the map for your address before driving in.
Oct 17 2:10 PMEvacuation LIFTED for zone(s) MID01, SCL13, SJC 10 B on the OC Public Works map. Residents may return; check the map for your address before driving in.
Oct 17 1:36 PMOCFA: #NorteFire Community Information Hotline An information hotline has been established for community members with questions about the Norte Fire. Please call 714-628-7085 for information.
Oct 17 12:11 PMOCFA: #NorteFire Evacuation Update • San Clemente Zone 13: Full repopulation. Residents may return home. • San Juan Capistrano Zone 10: Partial repopulation, limited to the Stallion Ridge community, San Juan Hills High School, and the landfill off La Pata. >>>
Oct 17 12:02 PMEvacuation order zones now: SCL12, SJC 10 A, SJC04, SJC05.
Oct 17 12:02 PMEvacuation LIFTED for zone(s) SCL13, SJC 10 B on the OC Public Works map. Residents may return; check the map for your address before driving in.
Oct 17 12:01 PMEvacuation orders LIFTED for zones SCL13 (San Clemente) and SJC 10 B (San Juan Capistrano), confirmed by the Orange County Sheriff's Department at 12:15 PM. SJC 10 B is the Stallion Ridge community, San Juan Hills High School and the landfill off La Pata. Residents may return; use caution, crews are still working and some roads may stay restricted. SCL12, SJC04, SJC05 and SJC 10 A remain under Evacuation Order.
Oct 17 11:13 AMEvacuation order zones now: SCL12, SCL13, SJC 10 A, SJC 10 B, SJC04, SJC05.
Oct 17 11:12 AMEvacuation order zones now: SCL12, SCL13, SJC 10, SJC 10 A, SJC 10 B, SJC04, SJC05.
Oct 17 11:05 AMOC Public Works split zone SJC 10 into SJC 10 A and SJC 10 B on the county map. Both halves remain under Evacuation Order. Splits like this usually come before a partial repopulation; watch for one half to be released first.
Oct 17 10:53 AMEvacuation order zones now: SCL12, SCL13, SJC 10, SJC04, SJC05.
Oct 17 10:51 AMCORRECTION: the OC Public Works map put zone SCL13 back under Evacuation Order at 10:51 AM, seven minutes after showing it lifted. Watch Duty's 10:46 AM lift note is superseded. Treat SCL13 as under ORDER until OCFA announces otherwise.
Oct 17 10:49 AMEvacuation order zones now: SCL12, SJC04, SJC05.
Oct 17 10:49 AMEvacuation LIFTED for zone(s) SCL13, SJC 10 on the OC Public Works map. Residents may return; check the map for your address before driving in.
Oct 17 10:48 AMEvacuation order zones now: SCL12, SJC 10, SJC04, SJC05.
Oct 17 10:48 AMEvacuation LIFTED for zone(s) SCL13 on the OC Public Works map. Residents may return; check the map for your address before driving in.
Oct 17 10:44 AMOC Public Works zone map shows zone SCL13 (San Clemente) downgraded to Evacuation Lifted. SCL12, SJC04, SJC05 and SJC 10 remain under Evacuation Order. Awaiting the OCFA announcement.
Oct 17 8:03 AMContainment now 5%.
Oct 17 8:01 AMOCFA morning update: 5% contained, holding at 570 acres. Crews worked overnight to strengthen lines; today's goal is more containment and getting residents home as soon as it is safe. Evacuation orders still in effect.
Oct 17 7:53 AMOCFA: #NorteFire Incident Update 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.
11:20 PMNBC 7: two firefighters injured; at least six homes damaged. OCFA had confirmed one heat-exhaustion injury earlier.
10:33 PMOCFA night update: all evacuation orders remain in effect. Crews working through the night to protect homes.
10:23 PMOCFA: #NorteFire Incident Update Deputy Incident Commander Battalion Chief Mike Yeun provides an update on the fire, which is currently at 570 acres with 0% containment.
10:23 PMOCFA: All evacuation orders remain in effect. Crews will continue working throughout the night to protect homes and keep our communities safe. Video description: This 46-second video shows OCFA Battalion Chief Mike Yeun providing a Norte Fire update inside a fire station.
8:20 PMCAL FIRE: Air and ground resources are actively working to contain the #NorteFire in Orange County. CAL FIRE prepositioned resources were in the area and ready to support initial attack efforts, allowing additional resources to respond quickly. CAL FIRE’s aerial firefighting fleet, the largest civilian aeri
8:12 PMOC Sheriff: overnight shelter open at the Boys & Girls Club, 1 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano, animals allowed. Community centers become 8 AM to 8 PM care and reception. Animal shelters: OC Animal Care, 1630 Victory Rd, Tustin (SJC residents) and CASA, 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente (intake until 7 PM, reopens 7 AM).
7:43 PMAcreage updated to 570.3 (Watch Duty / OCFA).
7:37 PMFIRIS (OES Intel 24) remapped the fire at 570.3 acres, up from 465.5. Growth is inside the earlier footprint area, not a new run.
7:37 PMNew FIRIS fire perimeter mapped; map updated.
7:33 PMOCFA: An overnight shelter has been established to provide assistance for those affected by the #NorteFire. The shelter will open at 8 pm: Boys & Girls Club - 1 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano. · Animals WILL be allowed · Bring your medications · Please no unsolicited donations
7:02 PMOCFA press conference: 0% contained; objective is to hold the fire inside its current perimeter. 400 personnel assigned, 400 more responding, crews out all night and into the weekend. Both shelters remain open and accept small pets. Repopulation not until deemed safe. Public information hotline 714-628-7085.
6:05 PMOCFA via ABC7: one firefighter injured from heat exhaustion; six homes damaged or destroyed.
5:44 PMOCFA: at least six homes damaged or destroyed (via news reports).
4:57 PMKTLA: at least six homes burned in San Juan Capistrano neighborhoods. OCFA's official count still pending inspection.
4:54 PMOCFA: #NorteFire press conference tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente.
4:26 PMOCFA: Video description: Division Chief Mark Backoff stands in front of an OCFA vehicle while giving an update on the Norte Fire.
4:21 PMOCFA: Division 3 Fire Chief Mark Backoff provides an update on the Norte Fire, currently estimated at 450+ acres. For the latest updates, follow @OCFireAuthority on social media. Visit for evacuation zone maps. #NorteFire
3:44 PMSix air tankers released and the no-divert status lifted, per Air Attack (via Watch Duty). A sign the air fight is winding down, not that orders are lifted.
3:33 PMOC Sheriff: For Norte Fire evacuation zones and resources visit: For the latest information on fire conditions and firefighting efforts, please follow the @OCFireAuthority (OCFA) through its official channels.
2:44 PMFIRIS (OES Intel 24) mapped the fire at 465.5 acres. Perimeters are preliminary; a home inside the perimeter is not necessarily damaged.
2:38 PMOCFA: The fire is currently at 465 acres. #NorteFire
2:34 PMOC Sheriff: Evacuation orders are in place for San Juan Zones 4, 5, and 10 and San Clemente Zone 12 & 13. If you are in one of these zones, leave immediately. To view the evacuation zones and determine whether your home is in an evacuation zone, visit: Evacuation orders are in place for San Juan Zones 4
2:29 PMOCFA: #NorteFire: For the most current evacuation and shelter information, visit the link below. If you are under an evacuation order, leave now. Please avoid the fire area.
2:24 PMOCFA: The fire continues to grow. Please avoid the area. Four homes off Via La Mirada in San Juan Capistrano have been impacted. #NorteFire
2:15 PMABC7: at least 4 homes destroyed in the San Clemente / San Juan Capistrano area. Not yet in an OCFA count.
2:12 PMCapistrano Unified dismissing nine schools early: Bernice Ayer MS, Clarence Lobo ES, Concordia ES, Harold Ambuehl ES, San Clemente HS, San Juan Hills HS, Shorecliffs MS, Truman Benedict ES, Vista Del Mar. Elementary parents go to the school for pickup (OC Dept of Education).
2:06 PMEvacuation shelters open: San Juan Capistrano Community Center (25925 Camino del Avion) and San Clemente Community Center (100 Calle Seville), per OCFA.
1:55 PMOCFA: #NorteFire evacuation shelters are available at: • San Juan Capistrano Community Center 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano. • San Clemente Community Center 100 Calle Seville, San Clemente. If you are under an evacuation order, leave now.
1:54 PMUnits requested to La Novia Ave and Via Cerro Rebal for an immediate structure threat; additional resource request placed (radio traffic via Watch Duty).
1:54 PMCrews requested (scanner report): Avenida La Pata closure southbound, Ortega Hwy to Avenida Vista Hermosa. Resource order: 50 type-1 engines, 15 type-3 engines, 3 hand crews, 6 dozers.
1:52 PMFire continues west; front reported about half a mile from I-5 with heavy smoke over the freeway in San Juan Capistrano. Homes lost on Via La Mirada.
1:46 PMCapistrano Unified: nine San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano schools dismissing early; parents asked to pick up students (OC Register).
1:37 PMOrder zones restated: SCL12, SCL13, SJC04, SJC05, SJC10 (OC alert).
1:34 PMHomes burning on Via La Mirada seen on live broadcast; right flank moving down toward houses (radio traffic).
1:29 PMCrews requested (scanner report, not yet an official order): hard road closure on I-5 from San Juan Creek Rd to Camino De Los Mares (radio traffic via Watch Duty).
1:29 PMOCFA: For current evacuation zone locations and maps, please visit the following: #NorteFire
1:27 PMI-5 closed in both directions south of San Clemente because of the separate Henderson Fire at Camp Pendleton (CNS). Follow deputies' directions for routes.
1:08 PMMission Viejo: smoke visible but no current threat to the city. Santa Ana winds expected through Saturday.
1:08 PMPrima Deshecha Landfill closed (OC Waste & Recycling). Homes impacted at Avenida Calita, Via La Mirada, Via De Agua.
1:04 PMEvacuation orders: San Juan Capistrano zones 4, 5, 10 and San Clemente zones 12, 13 (OCFA via Genasys).
1:04 PMOCFA: fire now 250 acres, immediate structure threat. Three air tankers approved on no-divert.
1:04 PMOCFA: Current acreage is 250 acres. Please continue to avoid the area. #NorteFire
1:02 PMEvacuation requested for all streets off Camino Las Ramblas down to I-5 and around to the San Juan dump. Fire impacting homes at Avenida Calita, Via La Mirada, Via De Agua.
12:55 PMOCFA estimate 50 to 70 acres, dangerous rate of spread. Homes on Avenida Placida threatened (KNX).
12:55 PMOCFA: Additional evacuation orders are in place for San Clemente Zone 13. #NorteFire
12:50 PMMultiple structures impacted near Via La Mirada and Calle Esperanza; threats at Avenida California and Paseo Aliso. 10 more strike teams (50 engines) requested.
12:46 PMOCFA: Evacuation orders are in place for San Juan Zones 4, 5, and 10 and San Clemente Zone 12. If you are in one of these zones, leave immediately. #NorteFire
12:45 PMReports of a second start at Via La Mirada corrected: spotting from the Norte Fire, not a new fire.
12:43 PMOCFA: Media staging will be at Portico Del Norte and Eminencia Del Norte. #NorteFire
12:39 PMThree type-1 strike teams (15 engines) requested; air tankers on no-divert for structure protection.
12:28 PMOCFA: The fire is at 50 acres at this time. Structures are threatened. Crews are aggressively attacking the fire from the ground and air. Please continue to avoid the area. #NorteFire
12:03 PMOCFA: The fire is at 10 acres at this time. Crews are aggressively attacking the fire from the ground and air. Please continue to avoid the area. #NorteFire
11:54 AMOCFA: Firefighters are on-scene of a vegetation fire in the area of Portico Del Norte in the City of San Clemente that was reported at 11:33 a.m. Please avoid the area to allow us to work safely. #NorteFire
11:30 AMBrush fire reported near Portico Del Norte, San Clemente (OCFA).

Watch Duty incident reports · open Watch Duty

9:10 AMThe fire is now 75% contained, per the Orange County Fire Authority on X.
4:57 PMThe fire is now 60% contained, per the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
10:13 AMContainment has increased to 50%. A total of 467 firefighters remain assigned, working to strengthen containment lines and extinguish hot spots, per OCFA on X.
8:40 AMSize: 570 acresContainment: 25%Crews will work to increase containment and begin suppression repair — repairing areas disturbed by firefighting to help reduce erosion.Update from Orange County Fire Authority on X
6:12 PMAll evacuation orders have been lifted, per Orange County Sheriff's Department.The latest release includes evacuation zones SCL12, SJC04, SJC05, and the remaining portion of SJC10 (SJC 10 A). Previously released areas include all of SCL13 and part of SJC10 (SJC 10 B).Via La Mirada will remain closed, north of Esperanza to vehicle traffic, to allow OCFA emergency vehicles to continue work. The burn scar is an active fire hazard area and is closed until further notice. Reference the map at this link for the closure area.With these changes, no Evacuation Orders associated with the Norte Fire remain in effect. Residents may return, subject to any remaining road closures or access restrictions.Please use caution when returning to the area. Emergency personnel may continue operating nearby, and certain roads or locations may remain restricted. Follow directions from public safety personnel.The fire is currently at 25% containment, per Orange County Fire Authority on X.
12:15 PMThe evacuation order has been lifted for Zones SCL13 and SJC 10 B.Zone SJC 10 has been split:Evacuations have been lifted for Zone SJC 10 B. This area is limited to the Stallion Ridge community, San Juan Hills High School, and the landfill off La Pata.Zone SJC 10 A remains under an Evacuation Order.Per the Orange County Evacuation Map. These changes are also visible on the Watch Duty Map.Please use caution when returning to the area. Emergency personnel may continue operating nearby, and certain roads or locations may remain restricted. Follow directions from public safety personnel. Per Orange County Sheriff's Department.
10:57 AMZone SCL13 remains under an Evacuation Order, per the Orange County Evacuation Map. The previously reported status change was done in error. Evacuation zones can also be viewed on the Watch Duty map.
10:46 AMThe Evacuation Order has been lifted for Zone SCL13, per the Orange County Evacuation Map. This change is also visible on the Watch Duty Map.Correction: Zone SCL13 remains under an Evacuation Order, per the Orange County Evacuation Map. The previously reported status change was done in error. Evacuation zones can also be viewed on the Watch Duty map.
8:01 AMThe fire is 5% contained and remains at 570 acres. Crews worked throughout the night to attack the fire and strengthen containment lines. Today, crews will continue working to increase containment and get residents back home as soon as it is safe to do so. Per OCFA on X.
10:33 PMAll evacuation orders remain in effect. Crews will continue working throughout the night to protect homes and keep communities safe. A video update provided by OCFA on X can be seen above.
8:12 PMAn overnight shelter is open at the Boys & Girls Club located at 1 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano. Animals will be allowed. Bring your medications if possible.Animal SheltersFor San Juan Capistrano Residents:For residents of San Juan Capistrano under mandatory evacuation orders, OC Animal Care established an emergency animal shelter to provide services for residents relocated as a result of the Norte Fire. This shelter is open to house dogs, cats, and small pets.The OC Animal Care shelter is located at 1630 Victory Road, Tustin. If possible, pet owners should bring photo identification, veterinary/vaccination records, special food, and medications along with their animals.Any person needing assistance with information about pets or large animal evacuations should call OC Animal Care at 714-935-6848 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 714-259-1122 from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.For San Clemente Residents:For residents of San Clemente, the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter (CASA) is accepting pets from San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente evacuees. The shelter will remain open for accepting animals until 7 PM and will reopen at 7 AM.The CASA shelter is located at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente.Care & ReceptionCare and reception are available from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM at:San Juan Capistrano Community Center at 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan CapistranoSan Clemente Community Center at 100 Calle Seville, San ClementePer Orange County Sheriff's Department.
7:37 PMThe fire has been mapped at 570.3 acres by FIRIS OES Intel 24. Their perimeter is visible on the Watch Duty map under the Active Fire Perimeters map layer.Note: Fire perimeters are preliminary and indicate general burn area but do not reflect structure protection efforts by firefighters. A structure within a fire perimeter may not be damaged or destroyed.
7:02 PMThe fire is currently 0% contained. The objective is to keep the fire within its current perimeter and prevent it from growing. 400 personnel are assigned, with an additional 400 personnel responding. Resources will be out all night, tomorrow, and into the weekend.The following shelters remain open and small pets are accepted:San Clemente Community Center: 100 N Calle Seville, San ClementeSan Juan Capistrano Community Center: 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan CapistranoOfficials are continually evaluating repopulation, but it will not occur until it's deemed safe. A public information hotline remains available at 714-628-7085.View the full recording of the Norte Fire Press Conference on the Orange County Fire Authority Facebook page.
3:44 PMSix air tankers have been released and the no-divert status has been lifted, per Air Attack.
2:44 PMThe fire has been mapped at 465.5 acres by FIRIS OES Intel 24. Their perimeter is visible on the Watch Duty map under the Active Fire Perimeters map layer.Note: Fire perimeters are preliminary and indicate general burn area but do not reflect structure protection efforts by firefighters. A structure within a fire perimeter may not be damaged or destroyed.
2:12 PMNine Capistrano Unified School District schools are dismissing students early Friday, Oct. 16, as the Norte Fire prompts evacuations near San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.The affected schools are:Bernice Ayer Middle SchoolClarence Lobo Elementary SchoolConcordia Elementary SchoolHarold Ambuehl Elementary SchoolSan Clemente High SchoolSan Juan Hills High SchoolShorecliffs Middle SchoolTruman Benedict Elementary SchoolVista Del MarParents and guardians of elementary school students are being asked to report directly to their schools for pickup. At secondary schools, families may pick up students or authorize their release by responding to school communications.Families should continue monitoring messages from Capistrano Unified and follow official evacuation instructions from public safety agencies.Update via Orange County Department of Education on Facebook.
2:06 PMEvacuation shelters are available at the following locations:San Juan Capistrano Community Center 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano.San Clemente Community Center 100 Calle Seville, San Clemente.Update via OCFA on X.
1:54 PMUnits have been requested to the area of La Novia and Via Cerro Rebal for an immediate structure threat.An additional resource request has been placed for 50 type-1 engines, 15 type-3 wildland engines, 3 hand crews, and 6 dozers. A road closure has been requested for Avenida La Pata, southbound between Ortega Hwy and Avenida Vista Hermosa, per radio traffic.
1:29 PMA hard road closure has been requested from I-5 at San Juan Creek Rd to Camino De Los Mares, per radio traffic.
1:12 PMAn Evacuation Order is in place for Zones SJC04, SJC05, SJC 10, SCL12, and SCL13, per the Orange County Evacuation Map. These zones are also visible on the Watch Duty map.The fire is now 250 acres, per OC Fire Authority on X.

Verified reports from Watch Duty's reporters, mirrored as of 1:20 PM PT · incident address: 3000 Block of Eminencia Del Norte, San Clemente.

Official sources

Genasys Protect zones by address OC Public Works zone lookup county evacuation map Watch Duty incident 124958 Orange County Fire Authority ocfa.org AlertOC emergency alerts Sentinel fire tracker perimeter and aircraft Caltrans QuickMap I-5 closures City of San Juan Capistrano City of San Clemente

Latest posts · 80 via LunarCrush, newest first

LiveCBS LA live coverage

These are public posts collected automatically. Most are not verified and some are people's readings of scanner traffic. Do not make evacuation decisions from them. Follow @OCFireAuthority and AlertOC.

Here is a more clear shot of what the Palisades Reservoir near the Norte fire in California looks like (aka the Bradt reservoir). The basin has a floating hypalon cover, which is about as thick as a credit card. Does it look like it’s floating to you or that there’s water underneath? The black dots scattered throughout are supposed to be weights, so why do they look raised above the cover if they are supposed to
— yoshithepatriot 11:22 AM

Norte fire that destroyed homes in South Orange County is at 75% containment https://t.co/AXK6UTYJt6 https://www.ocregister.com/2026/10/19/norte-fire-that-destroyed-homes-in-south-orange-county-is-at-75-containment/?utm_campaign=mrf-twitter-ocregister&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&mrfcid=202610196acb420171d3431697b40a27
— ocregister 10:10 AM

Santa Ana winds hit San Clemente. Firefighters held the line, and nearly 16,000 evacuees got the all-clear to go home. California's real slow burn is the permit maze. 21 months after the LA fires, about 50 Palisades homes are finished. Thank the crews. Cut the red tape. #NorteFire #SanClemente #California #RedTape #AmericaFirst
— goeddie555 10:05 AM

The Mission Viejo-San Clemente game that was canceled because of the Norte fire goes into the books as a 'No Contest'
— SteveFryer 9:39 AM

#NorteFire Update Containment has increased to 75%. Crews will continue working to extinguish hot spots and strengthen containment lines.
— OCFireAuthority 9:06 AM

New video of a local Orange County man who tried to get a closer look at the #NorteFire and almost becomes its first victim… Hazardous fire conditions continue this week as El Niño linked Santa Ana winds continue to wreak havoc on Southern California communities Follow @calwireupdates for more Visit our website https://t.co/9EuMBa5Y6X http://CALWIRE.ORG
— calwireupdates 8:28 AM

@BubbaGumpCo @LandrysInc They have been through so much lately they have a new baby 15 days old, evacuated from the #NorteFire and mama brought it with her because she was afraid of losing it to the fire.
— MysticalSyx 6:32 AM

The Norte Fire in Orange County, CA is 500+ acres & 60% contained as of Sunday evening (10/18). #wildfire #california https://t.co/oknwttY24q
— KristenCurrieTV 6:29 AM

The Norte Fire in Southern California has burned 570 acres, damaged or destroyed seven homes, and forced evacuations affecting around 16,000 residents. #Writeups24 #NorteFire #California #Wildfire #SanClemente #SanJuanCapistrano https://t.co/sr7OHefRCE
— 24Writeups 5:26 AM

Kebakaran Norte Fire melanda kawasan dekat San Clemente, Orange County, California, pada Jumat (16/10/2026). Api cepat meluas akibat cuaca panas, kering, dan angin Santa Ana yang kencang hingga membakar sekitar 188 hektare. Sedikitnya enam rumah rusak atau hancur, sementara sejumlah warga di San Clemente dan San Juan Capistrano diperintahkan mengungsi. Pesawat serta mobil pemadam dikerahkan untuk menjinakkan api. Hi
— okezonenews 4:20 AM

When Do Planned Wildfires And Smart City Initiatives Stop Becoming Coincidences??..#US #California #SanClemente #NorteFire #WildFires #SmartCities #15MinuteNeighbourhoods #SurveillanceState #DataCentres #Cv40 #Agenda2030 #TheGreatReset #WEF #UN 🚨🚨🚨 https://t.co/FGD0uTfnZJ
— jayghost71 12:45 AM

YouTubenbcla11:33 PM

Relief and devastation in days after Norte Fire in south Orange County NBC4 learned all schools in the Capistrano Unified School District will be open Monday. Charisse Gibson reports for the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026.

YouTubefoxla10:11 PM

Firefighters contain 60% of Norte Fire; Evacuations lifted Crews have contained 60% of the Norte Fire that broke out on Friday, October 16. Subscribe to FOX 11 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfF8wFnipMeDpJf8OmMxDg Watch more FOX 11 on YouTube: Police Chases: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzQIUTzrLS1G-ozh3Gr_VH_pCAVzipyjb Brazen Crime:

XABC79:17 PM

Norte Fire containment grows to 60% in Orange County https://t.co/4i9JBRvej3 https://abc7ne.ws/kQScOb