At least six expensive properties have been ravaged by rapidly spreading wildfires along the Southern California coast, prompting thousands of people to evacuate.
Orange County firefighters told X that the so-called Norte Fire burned about 465 acres (188 hectares) and at least four homes were affected in the wealthy municipality of San Juan Capistrano.
Black smoke billowing from the hills was visible for miles as firefighters tried to contain the fast-moving blaze.
The agency said firefighters were “aggressively attacking the fire from the ground and air” and repeatedly asked people to stay away from the area.
Risk of fires spreading remains as thousands are left without power
The Norte Fire broke out in the coastal town of San Clemente and the wind blew it as far as San Juan Capistrano.
The National Weather Service warned of “an elevated risk of major wildfires and rapid fire spread,” particularly in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as well as the mountains and foothills of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
Wildfires continued to worsen due to intense Santa Ana winds, low humidity and unusually high temperatures.
Wind gusts of up to 50 to 70 miles per hour were recorded in the mountains, with coastal areas and valleys experiencing gusts between 35 and 55 miles per hour, forecasters said.
Authorities cut power to reduce the risk of electrical sparks that strong wind gusts could cause, leaving thousands of people in the state without power.
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Edited by: Karl Sexton
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