Southern California wildfire engulfs homes, prompts evacuation orders

The Norte Fire, which started in San Clemente in Orange County on Friday, spread to San Juan Capistrano, where at least six homes were damaged or destroyed. Authorities estimated that the fire had burned between 188 and 231 hectares and ordered evacuations affecting about 6,000 homes and 16,000 residents. Firefighters are battling the flames on the ground and by helicopter as Santa Ana winds, unseasonable heat and low humidity fuel the fire’s growth. Tens of thousands of people in Los Angeles County also lost power as authorities sought to reduce the risk of wind-driven electrical sparks.