Coastal homes burn as hot winds fuel California fires

High winds are fueling a fast-moving fire that has burned homes in Southern California. Flames engulfed expensive coastal properties and prompted thousands to evacuate.

<img src='https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/8640x5760!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa3%2Fc2%2F7c93157648a897c328e54e703d4c%2Fap26289837988678.jpg' alt='A roof engulfed in flames is seen during the Norte Fire on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, in San Juan Capistrano, Calif.'/><p>High winds are fueling a fast-moving fire that has burned homes in Southern California. Flames engulfed expensive coastal properties and prompted thousands to evacuate.</p><p>(Image credit: Jae C. Hong)</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=g-s1-148569' />