Santa Ana winds push a wildfire into San Juan Capistrano neighborhoods, burning at least six homes

The story

A wildfire driven by strong Santa Ana winds tore through the hills between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano on Friday, sending flames into neighborhoods and forcing people out of their homes. The Norte Fire started around 11:30 in the morning near Portico Del Norte in San Clemente and spread fast. By early evening it had burned about 465 acres. Fire officials said at least six homes were damaged or destroyed, most of them on the San Juan Capistrano side, and one firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion. Evacuation orders covered several zones in both cities, and community centers in each one opened as shelters. Nine local schools let students out early. Crews had much of the fire knocked down by evening with help from aircraft, but officials said they expect to stay for days to guard against embers flaring up while the wind keeps blowing. It is one of 13 fires burning across California right now, and red flag warnings stay in place through Saturday. The cause is still under investigation.