New Southern California Wildfire Explodes in Size, Burning Multiple Homes

The Norte Fire erupted near a residential area in San Clemente around noon Friday and rapidly spread across more than 450 acres in Orange County. Officials said six homes were destroyed or damaged, and one firefighter suffered heat exhaustion. Evacuation orders covered five zones in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, while nearby communities received warnings. Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching 25 mph, helped drive the flames. Authorities opened shelters, and deputies went door to door urging residents in evacuation zones to leave.