San Clemente Fire Map: See Norte Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas

Reports from the scene indicated at least eight structures were burned as the fire rapidly grew in size.

By Paige Austin, Patch Staff

Oct 16, 2026 1:51 PM PDT | Updated Oct 16, 2026 2:00 PM PDT

Smoke from the Norte Fire blankets South Orange County Friday afternoon. (Alert California)

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — The Norte Fire broke out in the San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano area Friday, rapidly blackening 250 acres, damaging homes, and forcing hundreds of people to evacuate, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

Residents in homes off Camino Las Ramblas to the 5 Freeway in San Juan Capistrano have been ordered to leave, and several homes are believed to have been impacted.

Reports from the scene indicated at least eight structures were burned as the fire rapidly grew in size, with affected structures generally in the area of Avenida Calita, Via La Mirada and Via De Agua in San Juan Capistrano. Video from the scene showed flames burning through the roofs of multiple structures in the area. It was unclear exactly how many homes were affected.

This map shows the evacuation zones for the Norte Fire in San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. The communities outlined in red are under evacuation orders according to the Orange County Fire Authorities as of 1:30. Click on the map for real-time interactive updates (OCFA). .

The fire in the area of Portico Del Norte broke out about 11:30 a.m., according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

#NorteFire evacuation shelters are available at: • San Juan Capistrano Community Center 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano. • San Clemente Community Center 100 Calle Seville, San Clemente. If you are under an evacuation order, leave now. https://t.co/Sh9tE1GpNj— OCFA (@OCFireAuthority) October 16, 2026

City News Service contributed to this report.