Norte Fire spreads near landfill, forces evacuations in south OC

The Norte Fire burned at least 250 acres near San Clemente’s Prima Deschecha landfill by 1 p.m. Friday, prompting mandatory evacuations in parts of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, according to Voice of OC.

The blaze threatened structures as strong winds drove its rapid growth, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. Evacuation orders affected neighborhoods in northern San Clemente and southeastern San Juan Capistrano.

Mandatory evacuation orders covered Zones 4, 5 and 10 in San Juan Capistrano, Voice of OC reported. In San Clemente, Zones 12 and 13 were under mandatory orders.

The fire was first reported around 11:30 a.m. in the Portico Del Norte area, near the landfill in San Clemente, according to the publication.

The Orange County Fire Authority said the blaze expanded from about 10 acres to more than 250 acres within an hour amid high winds, Voice of OC reported.

Dry brush and Santa Ana winds fueled the spread, according to the report. The article did not identify what ignited the fire.

The National Weather Service forecast east winds of 20 to 25 mph in San Juan Capistrano, with gusts reaching 35 mph, according to Voice of OC.

Santa Ana winds were expected to ease overnight, according to Voice of OC.