Fires devour California mansions and hundreds of dunams
Footage showed burning homes and thick plumes of smoke rising over the dry hills of Southern California, where the fire is fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, low humidity, and above-seasonal temperatures. The 'Norti' fire consumed 465 acres and damaged four homes in San Juan Capistrano, while fire crews continued to battle the 'Bryson' fire near Malibu.
Footage showed burning homes and thick plumes of smoke rising over the dry, brush-covered hills of Southern California, where the fire is fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, low humidity, and above-seasonal temperatures. The 'Norti' fire in Orange County consumed about 465 acres (188 hectares), and damaged about four homes in the upscale municipality of San Juan Capistrano. Fire crews are operating from the air and ground, renewing calls for residents to stay away from the area. The fast-spreading fire prompted authorities to issue widespread evacuation orders, while several helicopters participated in firefighting operations. Officials warned residents of nearby areas of deteriorating air quality. The National Weather Service warned of 'risks of large, fast-spreading fires,' especially in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, in addition to the mountainous and hilly areas of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Meanwhile, fire crews continued to battle the 'Bryson' fire that broke out overnight on the outskirts of the coastal Malibu area. By Friday afternoon, the fire had consumed 147 acres, with containment at 17%. The US Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton was affected by the 'Henderson' fire.