Norte Fire containment reaches 75% after evacuation orders end

All evacuation orders for the 570-acre Norte Fire in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano were lifted by Saturday evening, and containment reached 75% Monday, NBC Los Angeles reported. The fire destroyed or damaged seven homes after breaking out Friday.

The lifting of evacuation orders followed a fire that initially put about 6,000 homes and 16,000 residents under evacuation orders, according to figures NBC Los Angeles attributed to San Clemente Chief of Police Services Justin Chevalier. Road and burn-area restrictions remained as crews worked to prevent rekindling.

The fire started about 11:30 a.m. Friday near Portico Del Norte, according to the Orange County Fire Authority account cited by NBC Los Angeles. Driven by fierce Santa Ana winds, it spread to 250 acres within an hour. The cause remained under investigation.

Evacuation orders were lifted in stages. NBC Los Angeles reported that 467 firefighters were still assigned Sunday morning, with crews reinforcing containment lines and putting out hot spots.

Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said crews expected to stay for several days to guard against rekindling, according to NBC Los Angeles. He said embers could ignite vegetation elsewhere or near homes.

Evacuation centers were established at community centers in San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, and the Boys & Girls Club in San Juan Capistrano provided an additional shelter. Orange County Animal Care in Tustin was available to take pets. Capistrano Unified School District released students early at multiple schools Friday.

Cal Fire announced early Saturday that California had secured a FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant to help fund suppression efforts. NBC Los Angeles also reported that Airbnb offered free emergency housing in partnership with 211OC, a service of Orange County United Way. Residents could call 211 for information about available assistance.

Via La Mirada remained closed to vehicles north of Esperanza for emergency operations, NBC Los Angeles reported. The burned area also remained off-limits because of an active fire hazard.