This article was originally posted on https://calbizjournal.com
Orange County San Clemente San Juan Capistrano Norte Fire Guide Tuesday October 20 2026.
Update at 9:00pm Monday October 19 2026
OCFA reporting that, “Crews continue working the #NorteFire, locating and extinguishing hot spots to prevent rekindling and protect surrounding communities.
Some hot spots can smolder underground for weeks or even months.
When winds return, that hidden heat can spark another fire.
Drones equipped with infrared cameras help crews identify heat that may otherwise go undetected and direct firefighters to areas that need attention.”
Roads Closed: Via La Mirada will remain closed north of Esperanza to vehicle traffic to allow emergency
The burn scar remains an active fire hazard area and is closed until further notice.
Cal Fire Announced that, “California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency to help ensure critical resources are available to suppress the Norte Fire in South Orange County.”
Norte Fire is at 570 acres and 80% Containment with mandatory Evacuation Orders lifted.
Location Of Norte Fire
Portico Del Norte & Eminencia Del Norte in San Clemente
Norte Fire Impact
570 acres with 80% Containment
Structures Burned
7 Homes Damaged or Destroyed
Norte Fire Cause
Under Investigation
Personnel Resources
467 Firefighters
Norte Fire Command Partnerships
Orange County Sheriff Department
San Clement Weather
Temps are expected to reach 87 on Saturday October 17 2026
Wind Gusts are expected to reach 24mph on Saturday October 17 2026
Norte Fire Information Resources
Sign Up for Alert Orange County
Aware California (Government Site)
OC Sheriff Norte Fire Resource Page Is Online
Orange County Fire Authority is on Twitter
South Coast Air Quality Management District
San Diego Gase and Electric (SDGE Outage Map)
When there is a high risk for a wildfire SDGE may temporarily shut off power to your neighborhood to prevent our electric system from becoming the source of an ignition.
See the interactive map to search impacted areas as well as locations of SDGE Community Crew Vehicles and Community Resource Centers.
California Highway Patrol Incident Reports Are Online
Orange County Traffic and Closures at CalTrans
City of San Clemente Is On Facebook
South Coast Air Quality Management District
This is a fast moving story.
South OC Beaches will do their best to update information as it becomes available