Evacuation orders are in place for portions of Orange County, California, as firefighters battle a rapidly growing wildfire overnight.
Orange County Fire Authority officials said the evacuation zone includes about 4,600 homes and nearly 16,000 residents.
The Norte Fire began around midday Friday in San Clemente and had scorched at least 465 acres, according to fire officials.
Fire Chief T.J. McGovern said the blaze spread quickly because of the area’s terrain and weather conditions, describing the powerful winds at a Friday evening news conference as “relentless.”
The vegetation fire has endangered homes and other structures, damaging or destroying at least six residences, officials said. No residents have been hurt, but two firefighters suffered injuries.
Fire crews were making an aggressive effort to stop the flames from the ground and air, while authorities urged the public to stay away from the area.
Several nearby schools released students early Friday as a precaution, Capistrano Unified school officials said.
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The Norte Fire erupted as Southern California faced dangerous wildfire conditions, including intense Santa Ana winds and elevated temperatures.
Red flag warnings remained active through Saturday night for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as well as the foothills of the Antelope Valley.
The blaze is burning roughly 20 miles north of the Henderson Fire at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County. That fire has consumed 2,079 acres.
About 400 firefighters were battling the Norte Fire, with an additional 400 personnel on the way, officials said.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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