US: California wildfires destroy homes, leave thousands without power

At least six expensive properties have been engulfed by fast-spreading wildfires on the southern coast of California, prompting thousands of people to evacuate.

The Orange County Fire Authority said on X that the so-called Norte fire had scorched about 465 acres (188 hectares) and that at least four homes had been impacted in the affluent San Juan Capistrano municipality.

Black smoke billowing from the hills was visible for miles as firefighters tried to contain the fast-moving blaze.

The agency said firefighters were "aggressively attacking the fire from ground and air" and repeatedly requested people to stay away from the area.

Danger of fire spreading remains as thousands without power

The Norte fire started in the coastal city of San Clemente and wind drove it into San Juan Capistrano.

The National Weather Service warned of "high risk for large fires and rapid fire growth," especially over Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as well as the mountains and foothills of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties

The wildfires have continued to worsen due to the intense Santa Ana winds, low humidity and unseasonably high temperatures.

According to forecasters, wind gusts of up to 50-70 miles (80-110 kilometers) per hour were recorded in the mountains, with coastal and valley areas seeing gusts between 35 and 55 miles per hour.

Authorities have turned off the electricity supply to reduce the risk of electrical sparks that the heavy wind gusts could carry, leaving thousands of people in the state without power.