Norte: 25% containment and evacuation orders lifted, with exceptions
Returns are permitted in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. Via La Mirada north of Esperanza remains closed to vehicles, and the burned area remains closed until further notice.
Updated 18 October 2026, 05:03 Athens time — What changed: the latest official entry on CAL FIRE’s operational page reports 25% containment of the Norte Fire and the lifting of evacuation orders in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, with exceptions.
Where restrictions remain
Via La Mirada north of Esperanza remains closed to vehicles so emergency crews can work. The burned area remains closed until further notice because it is still an active fire-hazard area. The lifting of evacuation orders does not mean the fire is extinguished or that every location is open.
The newer bulletin is timed 18:21 on 17 October in California — 04:21 on 18 October in Athens, with the lifting effective from 18:00 local time, or 04:00 in Athens. The page was updated at 18:28 local time and retains an area of 570 acres. The Orange County Fire Authority has jurisdiction.
Archive — 17 October, 22:59 Athens time
The orders and containment figure below describe the previous situation and have been superseded by the newer update above. They are not current instructions for returning.
Updated 17 October 2026, 22:59 Athens time — What changed: evacuation orders have been lifted for SCL13 and SJC10-B in Orange County’s Norte Fire. The CAL FIRE entry is timed 12:18 local time — 22:18 in Athens.
Where returns remain prohibited
Orders remain active for SCL12, SJC04, SJC05 and SJC10-A. At 12:10 local time, the former SJC10 zone was divided into SJC10-A and SJC10-B; only the latter has been released.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department confirms the release of all SCL13 and part of SJC10. It asks SJC10 residents to check their address on the official evacuation map before returning. Local restrictions and emergency operations may continue; residents must follow public safety instructions.
The fire is not fully controlled
The operational page still reports 570 acres and 5% containment, with six homes damaged or destroyed and no breakdown between those categories. The Orange County Fire Authority has jurisdiction and the cause is under investigation. The partial lifting of evacuation orders is not general permission to return.
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