"Strong Santa Ana winds that fueled a rash of wildfires in Southern California have abated, and crews were turning a corner Sunday on the blazes that closed highways, damaged a military base and destroyed multimillion-dollar homes. But an incoming storm system could pose new risks for the region as crews continue to brace for more wild weather this fall.
The most destructive of the past week’s fires, the 570-acre Norte fire in San Clemente, was 60% contained as of Sunday , according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The blaze, which sparked around 11:30 a.m. Friday, damaged or destroyed at least seven structures and forced about 16,000 people to evacuate as 40-mph gusts fanned the flames.
Evacuation orders were lifted. Via La Mirada north of Esperanza, however, remained closed Sunday night to vehicles because of emergency crews in the area, according to Cal Fire.
Firefighters will remain in the area for the next several days as they mop up hot spots and secure the fire’s perimeter, officials said.
It was one of several fires to wreak havoc in the region, where powerful downslope Santa Ana winds met with warm temperatures and dried vegetation that was primed to burn."
Hayley Smith reports for the Los Angeles Times October 18, 2026,
