Thousands are allowed back home in California after firefighters gain ground on the Norte Fire that burned six coastal homes
By Saturday evening, almost all evacuation orders had been lifted, with just one San Clemente street remaining off-limits. Around 16,000 residents of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano in Orange County had been forced to flee. The Norte Fire broke out at approximately 11:30am on Friday, expanding from 10 acres to over 450 within about four hours, driven by Santa Ana winds. Two firefighters required hospital treatment, and investigators have yet to determine the cause.
Mountain bikers on the Las Ramblas trail captured footage of a massive fireball bearing down on them.
San Clemente Mayor Rick Loeffler cautioned that stronger winds 'could have been a whole lot worse'.
Laura Hart, a resident of more than 50 years, said: 'We always pray to God it's not us.'
More
The IndependentFire crews battle Southern California blaze that burned 6 homes, led to the evacuation of 16,000APFirefighters gain ground on Southern California blaze, allowing thousands to return homeCBS NewsCalifornia homeowners describe terrifying moments when Norte fire spread, forced evacuationsAPPhotos show wildfire fueled by high winds engulfing coastal homes in Southern CaliforniaNYTFirefighters Race to Control California Wildfires as Winds Threaten to Spark MoreNY PostCyclists run into wall of flames from Norte Fire in Orange CountyNY PostFast-moving SoCal wildfire grows overnight after burning several homesCBS NewsNorte Fire continues to burn in San Juan Capistrano, leaving homes destroyed; evacuations remainNewsweekNorte fire images show multiple homes destroyed as blaze explodesCBS NewsThousands evacuate as massive California fires engulf homesThe TelegraphWildfires burn million-dollar homes in CaliforniaThe IndependentCalifornia wildfire forces thousands to evacuate as blaze destroys coastal homes