Authorities lift Norte Fire evacuations as some return restrictions remain

Authorities lifted evacuation orders for the 570-acre Norte Fire in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano by Saturday evening, though the burned area remained closed and some residents could not stay in their homes, according to NBC Los Angeles. The fire damaged or destroyed seven homes and injured two firefighters.

The evacuation area covered about 16,000 people in the two Orange County cities. Lifting the orders did not mean unrestricted access: power outages, firefighting hoses and safety concerns continued to prevent some residents from returning for an extended stay.

According to NBC Los Angeles, the fire began about 11:30 a.m. Friday near Portico Del Norte in San Clemente before spreading into San Juan Capistrano. Its cause remained under investigation.

The Orange County Fire Authority reported that seven homes were damaged or destroyed in San Juan Capistrano, with most on Via La Mirada. Two firefighters were hospitalized with injuries officials described as significant. Both were in stable condition, and no other injuries were reported.

By 6 p.m. Saturday, containment stood at 25% and evacuation orders had been lifted in both cities. On the portion of Via La Mirada north of Calle Esperanza, residents were allowed to inspect their homes but could not remain because of power outages, hoses and safety concerns. The street remained closed to vehicles.

Orange County Fire Authority Fire Chief TJ McGovern said wind and terrain helped the fire spread rapidly, NBC Los Angeles reported. The agency had positioned additional aircraft, water tenders and hand crews ahead of the winds. Crews fought the blaze from the air and ground and worked overnight to prevent it from expanding.

Winds near the fire were 5 to 10 mph Saturday afternoon, and a red flag warning remained in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday. NBC Los Angeles reported that Planet Fitness offered affected people free showers, device charging, Wi-Fi and space to rest at its Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest and Foothill Ranch locations.

The Orange County Fire Authority provided an information hotline at 714-628-7085 for people seeking updates.