Southern California wildfire engulfs homes, prompts evacuation orders
A fast-moving blaze called the Norte Fire is spreading in Orange County, Southern California. It has reached homes, and evacuation orders have been issued.
A fast-spreading wildfire known as the Norte Fire is burning in Orange County, in the southern part of the US state of California. Flames have engulfed homes, and authorities have issued evacuation orders telling residents to leave threatened areas. The report was published on 17 October 2026.
What is driving the fire
The blaze is being fuelled by intense warm winds and temperatures that are unseasonably high for this time of year. These conditions allow flames to move quickly, putting more communities at risk.
What is not yet known
The available information does not give the size of the fire, the number of homes destroyed, the number of people hurt or evacuated, or the cause of the blaze. The situation may change rapidly.
