What is the name and location of the wildfire?
As of October 16, 2026, the Norte Fire is burning in southern Orange County, California, near Portico Del Norte and Eminencia Del Norte, close to the Interstate 5 Freeway (1). The wildfire is at 0% containment.
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?
The Norte Fire is a fast-moving wildfire impacting communities primarily located in Orange County, such as San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and nearby communities and neighborhoods within the southern border of the county.
According to CBS News, at least 4 homes within the Via La Mirada region have been affected by the fire (2).
What is the current containment status of the wildfire?
As of October 16, the Norte Fire burned 465.5 acres and is 0% contained. The fire initially started as a brush fire and has since spread, burning homes and nearby structures.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Multiple level 3 "Go" evacuation orders are in place across San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano regions, as firefighters and fire crews work to reduce the flames. Helicopter crews and water-dropping aircrafts take to the skies to support fire control efforts from above.
Evacuation orders are in effect for zones SCL12, SCL13, SJC04, SJC05, and SJC10. Evacuation shelters are available at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center and San Clemente Community Center (3).
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
As of October 16, 2026, the Norte Fire is 0% contained.
