Evacuation orders are in effect for parts of Orange County, California, as firefighters work overnight to contain a rapidly spreading wildfire.
About 4,600 homes and nearly 16,000 people are located within the evacuation zone, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.
The Norte Fire began around midday Friday in San Clemente and has burned at least 465 acres, fire officials said.
“Due to weather and topography, this fire moved fast,” Orange County Fire Authority Fire Chief T.J. McGovern said at a Friday evening news conference, describing the wind as “relentless.”
The vegetation fire has threatened several structures, and at least six homes have been damaged or destroyed, officials said. No residents have been injured, but two firefighters were hurt.
“Crews are aggressively attacking the fire from the ground and air. Please continue to avoid the area,” the Orange County Fire Authority said.
Several schools in the area dismissed students early Friday as a precaution, Capistrano Unified school officials said.
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The fire is burning as the region faces critical fire weather conditions, including strong Santa Ana winds and high temperatures.
Red flag warnings remain in effect for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as well as the Antelope Valley foothills, through Saturday night.
The Norte Fire is burning about 20 miles north of
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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