California Wildfires Spread as Evacuation Orders Are Issued and Homes Burned

Evacuation orders have been issued in California as fast-moving wildfires spread, destroying or damaging six homes in the south Los Angeles area.

North Fire Grows to 465 Acres in Orange County

The North Fire broke out in Orange County on Friday and grew rapidly to 465 acres by Friday evening. One firefighter suffered heatstroke while battling the blaze.

Officials warned that fierce Santa Ana winds will continue into Saturday, increasing the risk of additional fires and allowing existing wildfires to spread.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued red flag warnings for several California counties as strong wind gusts, low humidity and dry vegetation combine to create critical wildfire conditions.

The North Fire is one of 13 wildfires burning across the state, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

In an update Friday night, Division 3 Fire Chief Mark Backoff said six homes were damaged or destroyed in the Norte Fire. He also confirmed that one firefighter was injured by heat exhaustion.

“We continue to extinguish the fire and additional resources are expected to arrive,” he said.

Video posted online showed flames tearing through homes in the communities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Bryson Fire Prompts Evacuations in the Santa Monica Mountains

The Bryson Fire, which began in Malibu, a wealthy coastal city in Los Angeles County, prompted evacuation orders across the Santa Monica Mountains.

The fire grew to 147 acres, with more than 400 firefighters working to battle the blaze.