OMM Newsroom
Evacuation orders are in effect in parts of California as fast-moving wildfires burn across the state. The Norte Fire, which broke out in Orange County on Friday, had grown to 465 acres by that evening.
Six homes were damaged or destroyed by the fire, and a firefighter suffered heat exhaustion while battling the blaze, Division 3 Fire Chief Mark Backoff said in an update on Friday evening. “We continue to engage in the firefight, and have additional resources coming,” he said.
Online footage showed flames moving through homes in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. The Norte Fire is one of 13 burning in California, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Evacuation orders as more fires spread
The Bryson Fire in Malibu, in Los Angeles County, has prompted evacuation orders across the Santa Monica Mountains and grown to 147 acres. More than 400 firefighters are working to contain it.
Further south, the Henderson Fire broke out in San Diego County on Thursday and has spread to more than 2,000 acres, including around Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The fire has twice forced authorities to close Interstate 5, a major route running along the US West Coast.
Santa Ana winds and heat raise fire danger
The fires are being driven by Santa Ana winds, which typically occur during the cooler months from late September to May. Officials said the winds peaked on Friday but would remain dangerous into early Saturday morning.
Winds in the Los Angeles area exceeded 40mph (64km/h), the US National Weather Service (NWS) said, warning motorists to watch for debris on roads. The NWS has issued a red flag warning for several California counties, citing strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation that create critical conditions for wildfire spread.
Southern California temperatures were far above average for this time of year, adding to the fire danger. The NWS also issued a heat advisory, saying the risk of heat-related illness remained high. Forecasts called for temperatures to reach 95F (35C) in southern California on Saturday.
BBC World reported on the fires.
