California secures federal assistance to support response to Norte Fire in Orange County
Evacuation orders in effect, residents urged to follow guidance from local officials
What you need to know: California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help suppress the Norte Fire burning in Orange County near San Juan Capistrano.
ORANGE COUNTY – Moving swiftly to support local and state firefighting efforts amid dangerous fire weather conditions across Southern California, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make additional resources available to support response efforts to the Norte Fire in Orange County.
California is taking decisive action to support our firefighters and protect communities as dangerous winds and dry conditions fuel wildfire threats. By securing this federal assistance, we are ensuring our local and state partners have the critical resources they need to aggressively fight the Norte Fire, protect lives and property, and keep Californians safe.
Governor Gavin Newsom
The fast-moving Norte Fire ignited just after 11:30 a.m. on October 16, 2026, in the San Clemente area of Orange County, south of San Juan Capistrano. Fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, dry vegetation, and elevated temperatures, the fire has burned approximately 465 acres and is threatening nearly 13,000 people, prompting evacuation orders and warnings for 4,000 homes.
The fire comes as Southern California experiences a significant Santa Ana wind event, bringing gusty winds, low humidity, and elevated to critical fire-weather conditions that can cause wildfires to spread rapidly.
“Cal OES plays a critical role in coordinating California’s statewide emergency response, ensuring local and state partners have the resources and support they need to protect communities,” said Cal OES Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs. “This federal assistance strengthens our ability to support ongoing firefighting operations while maintaining statewide readiness to respond quickly to new and emerging threats.”
The FMAG, which is provided through FEMA on a cost-share basis, will assist local, state, and tribal agencies responding to the fire in applying for 75% reimbursement of eligible fire suppression costs.
State actions ahead of fire weather concerns
Moving swiftly to ensure resources were in place ahead of critical fire weather and high winds, Governor Newsom directed Cal OES to position additional firefighting resources statewide, including five fire engines, one bulldozer, one water tender, one helicopter, and a total of 45 additional firefighters and support personnel to Orange County on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Additionally, the Cal OES State Operations Center is activated to coordinate statewide resources, maintain situational awareness, and support local governments responding to dangerous fire weather conditions and Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
Get prepared, stay ready
Residents are urged to stay vigilant during this heightened heat and fire weather period. Californians are reminded to:
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Sign up for local emergency alerts to stay informed about changing conditions.
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Prepare a wildfire action plan, including planning evacuation routes and packing a go-bag with essentials.
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Prepare for high winds: Secure outdoor furniture and loose objects, and stay away from downed trees and power lines.
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Plan for potential power outages: Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) decisions are made by utility providers. Residents should contact their utility provider for the latest information on the anticipated timing and duration of potential shutoffs.
For more information on fire safety and general preparedness, visit Ready.ca.gov