Multiple wildfires driven by fierce Santa Ana winds forced evacuations and burned homes in Southern California on Friday. The Norte Fire in Orange County ignited around noon and rapidly expanded to 465 acres, destroying at least four homes in San Juan Capistrano. Officials issued evacuation orders for five zones in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, with shelters opened at local community centers. Firefighters responded with helicopters and ground crews while deputies went door to door urging residents to leave. Ten schools dismissed students early, and after-school activities were canceled.

Further north, the Bryson Fire near Malibu had burned roughly 150 acres by Friday afternoon and stood at 17 percent containment. Evacuation orders covered specific zones, while warnings applied to broader areas including parts of western Malibu. More than 7,000 structures faced potential threat, though only hundreds of residents were under direct orders. The fire started Thursday evening and prompted the evacuation of a Los Angeles County juvenile facility.

Additional blazes included the Henderson Fire at Camp Pendleton, which grew beyond 1,400 acres and led to a temporary closure of Interstate 5. An earlier fire in Azusa was contained after burning over 40 acres. Tens of thousands of customers lost power across the region due to utility shutoffs aimed at reducing ignition risks.

The National Weather Service maintains red flag warnings through Saturday evening, with gusts expected to intensify overnight and heighten fire danger. Fire officials urged residents in affected zones to remain vigilant as conditions persist.