(Photo courtesy of Anadolu)
CALIFORNIA – Authorities ordered mandatory evacuations in parts of Orange County, California, on Friday as a fast-moving wildfire threatened nearby structures.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) said five evacuation zones were placed under mandatory orders, including two in San Clemente and three in San Juan Capistrano.
The blaze, identified as the Norte Fire, broke out at approximately 12:01 p.m. local time in San Clemente and rapidly expanded from 10 acres to 50 acres, or about 20 hectares, within 30 minutes.
CAL FIRE warned that structures were at risk as firefighters worked to contain the flames. The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.
Meanwhile, two other wildfires continued to burn across Southern California, with authorities reporting no containment progress.
The Henderson Fire in San Diego County had scorched approximately 1,404 acres, equivalent to 568 hectares, and remained zero percent contained.
In Los Angeles County, the Bryson Fire had spread across 200 acres, or roughly 81 hectares, and was also reported to be zero percent contained.
Authorities continued monitoring the three wildfires as emergency crews responded to the spreading flames.
