Evacuation orders as fast-moving California wildfire burns homes

Evacuation orders have been issued in California as a fast-moving wildfire burns homes

Evacuation orders are in place in California because of a rapidly spreading wildfire that has already destroyed six homes in the southern Los Angeles area.

The Norte Fire broke out on Friday in Orange County and had expanded rapidly to 465 acres by evening. One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion while fighting the blaze.

Officials said the powerful Santa Ana winds are expected to continue until Saturday, increasing the risk of additional fires.

The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a red flag warning for several California counties because strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation are creating critical wildfire conditions.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Norte Fire is one of 13 fires burning across the state.

In an update on Friday evening, Division 3 Fire Chief Mark Backoff said six homes had either been damaged or destroyed by the Norte Fire, and one firefighter had suffered heat exhaustion.

"We continue to engage in the firefight, and have additional resources coming," he said.

Video posted online showed flames ripping through homes in the communities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

The Bryson Fire, burning in the wealthy coastal city of Malibu in Los Angeles county, has also triggered evacuation orders across the Santa Monica mountains and has grown to 147 acres.

More than 400 firefighters have been battling that blaze.

Farther south, the Henderson Fire in San Diego country erupted on Thursday and has grown to more than 2,000 acres, including land around Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

The fire has twice forced officials to shut down the I-5 highway, a major route that runs the length of the US West Coast.

The fires are being driven by the Santa Ana winds, which typically begin during the cooler months from late September to May.

Officials said the winds peaked on Friday but will remain dangerous into early Saturday morning.

Six homes have been damaged or destroyed in Orange County

The NWS said winds reached more than 40mph (64km/h) in the Los Angeles area, adding that motorists should be alert for debris blown onto roads.

Temperatures in southern California were well above average for this time of year, further increasing the fire threat.

The NWS has issued a heat advisory, saying the risk of heat-related illness remained high.

Forecasts say temperatures in southern California could reach 95F (35C) on Saturday.