Below is a running digest on Orange County fires and school closures. For official information on local fires, evacuations and road closures, be sure to follow the Orange County Fire Authority on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Updated at 11:14 a.m. on Oct. 18, 2026
Capistrano Unified campuses to open Monday as Norte Fire reaches 50 percent containment
All schools in the Capistrano Unified School District will return to their regular schedules on Monday, Oct. 19, following Friday’s precautionary early dismissals prompted by the Norte Fire in South Orange County.
The district confirmed Sunday morning that its campuses would be open, citing the lifting of evacuation orders, improving weather conditions and good air quality, including in areas affected by the fire.
Capistrano Unified also said air filters are being replaced at schools impacted by the wildfire as part of preparations to welcome students and staff back.
Meanwhile, the Orange County Fire Authority reported Sunday that the Norte Fire was 50 percent contained after burning approximately 570 acres near San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.
OCFA said 467 firefighters remained assigned to the incident, working to strengthen containment lines and extinguish remaining hot spots.
Although evacuation orders have been lifted for surrounding neighborhoods, the burned area remains closed because of ongoing fire hazards, according to the wildfire-tracking service Watch Duty.
Families are encouraged to continue monitoring Capistrano Unified’s official communications and the Orange County Fire Authority on X for the latest updates.
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Updated at 11:46 a.m. on Oct. 17, 2026
Norte Fire reaches 570 acres; Capistrano Unified monitoring conditions
The Norte Fire has burned approximately 570 acres near San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano and was 5 percent contained as of Saturday morning, according to the wildfire-tracking service Watch Duty.
Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for portions of both cities, including neighborhoods near the fire’s perimeter. Residents can check their addresses and view current evacuation boundaries through the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Norte Fire information page.
Meanwhile, Capistrano Unified School District confirmed Friday that all students dismissed early because of the wildfire had been safely reunited with their families. The district said it would continue monitoring fire conditions as it prepares for the upcoming school week.
Families are encouraged to monitor official district communications and follow the Orange County Fire Authority on X for the latest fire and evacuation updates.
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Updated at 2:38 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2026
Capistrano Unified reports students safely relocated as Norte Fire damages homes; evening briefing scheduled
Capistrano Unified School District announced Friday afternoon that all students from campuses within the Norte Fire evacuation zones had been safely relocated away from their schools.
In a social media update, the district said some students were still en route to Capistrano Valley High School at the time of the announcement. District office staff members were also relocated to the high school.
Meanwhile, Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Mark Backoff said the fire broke out at approximately 11:33 a.m. and that six homes had been damaged or destroyed. One firefighter was also injured after experiencing heat exhaustion.
The fast-moving wildfire has burned approximately 465 acres in the San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano area, according to CAL FIRE.
The Orange County Fire Authority has scheduled a news conference for 6:30 p.m. Friday at Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente.
Families are encouraged to continue monitoring district communications and follow the Orange County Fire Authority on X for updates on the fire and evacuation orders.
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Updated at 2:38 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2026
Capistrano Unified cancels on-campus sports and after-school activities; evacuation shelters open
All sporting events and after-school activities scheduled at Capistrano Unified School District campuses Friday have been canceled, district officials announced.
The district cited weather conditions for the cancellations but said Aliso Niguel High School’s homecoming activities will proceed as scheduled, along with away games and activities.
The announcement follows earlier precautionary dismissals at nine district schools as the Norte Fire continues to burn in southern Orange County. Families and students are encouraged to check with their school coaches and activity directors for additional details.
The Orange County Fire Authority has also announced two evacuation shelters for residents affected by the Norte Fire:
- San Juan Capistrano Community Center: 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano
- San Clemente Community Center: 100 Calle Seville, San ClementeThe fire is currently at 465 acres.
The fire now spans 465 acres, according to the OCFA.
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Updated at 1:15 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2026
Some Capistrano Unified schools dismissing early as Norte Fire prompts evacuations
Nine schools in the Capistrano Unified School District are dismissing students early as firefighters battle the Norte Fire near San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.
The district announced the precautionary dismissals on Friday afternoon, saying it was closely monitoring the growing wildfire.
The affected schools are:
- Bernice Ayer Middle School
- Clarence Lobo Elementary School
- Concordia Elementary School
- Harold Ambuehl Elementary School
- San Clemente High School
- San Juan Hills High School
- Shorecliffs Middle School
- Truman Benedict Elementary School
- Vista Del Mar
Parents and guardians of elementary school students are being asked to report directly to their schools for pickup. At secondary schools, families may pick up their children or authorize their release by responding to an email or text message from the school.
The fire was reported shortly after noon near Portico del Norte and Eminencia del Norte in San Clemente, according to the CAL FIRE website. Initially reported at 10 acres, the blaze has since grown to approximately 250 acres, according to the Orange County Fire Authority, which is urging residents to avoid the area.
OCFA has issued evacuation orders for portions of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, including San Clemente zones 12 and 13 and San Juan Capistrano zones 4, 5 and 10. Residents in affected neighborhoods have been directed to leave immediately.
According to Watch Duty, the fire has threatened or impacted structures near Via La Mirada, Calle Esperanza, Avenida California and Paseo Aliso in San Juan Capistrano. Additional firefighting resources have been requested to protect homes.
Residents can consult the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s resources webpage and follow the OCFA’s official updates on X for the latest evacuation instructions.
Capistrano Unified said it would continue monitoring conditions and provide additional updates to families as needed. Families should watch for direct communications from their schools and follow instructions from local public safety agencies.
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Updated at 5:25 p.m. on Sept. 16, 2024
Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools to reopen as evacuation orders are lifted
Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools are set to reopen Tuesday after being closed for four days due to disruptions related to the Airport Fire in Trabuco Canyon.
With local evacuation orders lifted, all students and staff will report to their regular campuses, Robert Craven, assistant superintendent of Business Services for the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, said in a statement.
Students from both elementary schools were diverted to alternate sites on Monday following three non-instructional days last week. The district has been working in coordination with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and fire authorities to assess the impacts of the wildfire, including evacuation orders and road closures.
“We are grateful for your patience and understanding during the temporary relocation, and we appreciate the resilience shown by our students, families and staff,” Craven said. “Please note that some road closures may still occur in the surrounding areas, so we encourage extra caution during drop-off and pick-up times.”
First reported around 1 p.m. on Sept. 9, the Airport Fire has scorched more than 23,000 acres. As of Monday, it was 31 percent contained, according to the Cal Fire website.
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Updated at 10:22 a.m. on Sept. 16, 2024
In coordination with first responders, SVUSD redirects Robinson and Trabuco students to alternative sites
Although road closures and evacuation zones in the Trabuco Canyon area have been downgraded, the Saddleback Valley Unified School District said on Sunday that the Robinson and Trabuco elementary school campuses are still not available for classes.
Instead, students and staff at both schools will be diverted to three alternative sites on Monday.
“This decision comes in coordination with our first responder partners, who are continuing to assess the impact of the Airport Fire,” said Robert Craven, SVUSD’s assistant superintendent of Business Services.
The majority of Robinson Elementary students will resume classes at Cielo Vista Elementary School, while a smaller group will attend Glen Yermo Elementary. Trabuco Elementary students will return to in-person learning at Trabuco Mesa Elementary School.
Families and other community members were advised to be prepared for increased traffic around these three campuses on Monday morning.
“We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition, and thank you for your flexibility as we work toward returning to our normal operations,” Craven said. “Your continued support is invaluable to us.”
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Updated at 4:34 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2024
Saddleback Valley Unified explores alternate school sites amid Airport Fire disruptions
The Saddleback Valley Unified School District said on Friday that it’s making contingency plans for students and staff impacted by this week’s school closures from the Airport Fire.
In the event of continued evacuation orders and road closures, in-person learning for Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools could take place at three alternate sites starting Monday — Cielo Vista, Glen Yermo and Trabuco Mesa elementary schools.
“Our district has been working diligently to ensure that students from these two schools can return to learning as soon as possible,” SVUSD said in its latest statement. “We are actively exploring alternate locations for students, teachers, and staff should current conditions in the Trabuco Canyon area remain unchanged.”
Local families are advised to prepare for increased traffic around the alternate campuses next week. While acknowledging the potential challenges, district officials emphasized that the safety of students and staff is their top priority.
All other SVUSD schools remain open.
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Updated at 4:18 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2024
Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools will stay closed Friday amid ongoing evacuation warnings
Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District will stay closed for at least one more day based on road closures and voluntary evacuation warnings in the area, officials announced.
The campuses have been shuttered since Wednesday due to the Airport Fire, which is burning to the east of Rancho Santa Margarita. It has now charred more than 23,000 acres and is 5 percent contained.
“We remain very optimistic about reopening Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools on Monday, given the current trajectory of the fire and the ongoing efforts of our dedicated first responders,” the district said in a statement. “The progress being made suggests that conditions may soon improve, allowing us to safely welcome all students and staff back to our campuses.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department said it has downgraded mandatory evacuation orders for the local Robinson Ranch community to voluntary evacuation warnings, with soft road closures in effect at Plano Trabuco Road at Joshua Drive and Plano Trabuco Road at Robinson Ranch Road. The area is restricted to residents only, with proof of residency required for entry.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and to be prepared to evacuate quickly if conditions worsen.
Hard road closures continue at Trabuco Canyon Road and Trabuco Creek Road, El Toro Road and Live Oak Canyon Road, Ortega Highway at Nichols Institute, and Ortega Highway at Rancho Carrillo. Mandatory evacuation orders are still in effect for several areas along Ortega Highway, including Caspers Park, San Juan Springs and Blue Jay Campground.
For updates on the fire and evacuation information, visit the Orange County Sheriff’s website. For more detailed information and ongoing updates on air quality, visit the AQMD air quality webpage.
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Updated at 1:38 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2024
Orange County experiences mixed air quality from local wildfires
Changing wind patterns have brought the smell of smoke and deteriorating air quality to parts of Orange County.
Based on the effects of multiple wildfires, the South Coast Air Quality Management District this week posted an air quality advisory that’s been extended through at least Friday.
Meanwhile, current readings from the agency’s Air Quality Index, which measures levels of particulate matter, smog, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, indicate varied air quality across the county. While many areas remain in the “good” to “moderate” categories, there are patches rated “unhealthy” or “very unhealthy,” with isolated spots deemed “hazardous.”
In response, schools have been adjusting their schedules to prioritize the health of students. Some outdoor activities and athletics have been curtailed, with physical education classes and recess moved indoors. Adjustments are also being made to athletic practices and events, following guidelines set by the California Interscholastic Federation.
As the Airport Fire has moved toward Riverside County, the only school closures locally are Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. That decision was based on local evacuation orders and road closures in the area.
Residents are advised to stay informed on air quality updates and take precautions to protect themselves, especially in areas with poorer air quality.
For more detailed information and ongoing updates on air quality, please visit the AQMD air quality webpage. For updates on the fire situation and evacuation information, check the Orange County Sheriff’s website.
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Updated at 4:29 p.m. on Sept. 11, 2024
Evacuation orders, road closures to keep Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools closed on Thursday
While the Airport Fire has shifted toward Riverside County, local evacuation orders and road closures in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District will keep Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools closed on Thursday, Sept. 12.
“At this time, all other SVUSD schools remain open and staff will continue to closely monitor the areas surrounding the fire with the help of the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD),” the district said in a statement. “Should the situation change, we will provide additional updates.”
No other Orange County campuses have closed as a result of the Airport Fire, which has expanded to 22,376 acres with zero containment. According to the Orange County Fire Authority, the blaze is now moving southeast toward Ortega Highway and into the Riverside County area.
With multiple wildfires in Southern California, the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an air quality advisory that remains in effect through at least Thursday, Sept. 12. The index, or AQI, is calculated based on common air pollutants including particulate matter, smog, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.
In alignment with the SCAQMD advisory, some schools in impacted communities have been modifying outdoor activities and athletics, including holding physical education and recess indoors, reducing outdoor activities and adjusting athletic practices and events in accordance with California Interscholastic Federation guidelines.
For more information on the ongoing fire response and updated evacuation information, visit the Orange County Sheriff’s website. For details on local air quality, visit the SCAQMD air quality webpage.
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Updated at 5:07 p.m. on Sept. 10, 2024
Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools are closed Wednesday as Airport Fire continues
The Saddleback Valley Unified School District has announced that Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools will remain closed on Wednesday, Sept. 11, as a result of the ongoing response to the Airport Fire in Trabuco Canyon.
The district has been working with Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to monitor the situation and prioritize the safety of its students and staff, according to a statement posted Tuesday.
The OCFA said in a press conference Tuesday that the blaze has grown to over 10,000 acres at 0% containment. Fire crews are working around the clock to protect the surrounding communities. No structures have been destroyed or damaged while no injuries have been reported.
SVUSD families can find updated information on school closures through the district’s website. For more information on the ongoing fire response and updated evacuation information, visit the Orange County Sheriff’s website.
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Updated at 8:45 p.m. on Sept. 9, 2024
Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools to close on Tuesday due to Airport Fire
In response to mandatory evacuations prompted by the Airport Fire, which has scorched thousands of acres, the Saddleback Valley Unified School District has announced that Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools in Trabuco Canyon will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
“The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) and Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) have issued mandatory evacuations for the surrounding area,” the district posted on its website Monday. “As a result, all instruction, before- and after-school TLC services, and other activities at Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools will be canceled.”
Saddleback Valley Unified officials say they plan to resume normal operations on Wednesday, Sept. 11, contingent on further guidance from fire authorities and the Sheriff’s Department. No other school closures have been reported, but deteriorating air quality could disrupt additional school activities.
The OC Health Care Agency on Monday issued a health advisory indicating unhealthy air quality conditions for parts of Orange County based on guidance from the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Residents in affected areas are urged to limit outdoor activities and follow health guidance.
“Individuals with heart and respiratory diseases, older adults, children and pregnant women are among those who can be most directly affected by smoke exposure,” said County Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong. “Air pollution levels from the fire can change rapidly, depending on weather conditions, so we especially recommend that individuals in these higher-risk groups limit outdoor activity and physical exertion until the situation is over.”
SVUSD families are encouraged to stay updated through the district’s official communications channels and the Orange County Sheriff’s website. Additionally, Orange County residents can register for official emergency communications at www.AlertOC.com.
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Updated at 4:32 p.m. on Sept. 9, 2024
Schools near Trabuco Canyon on high alert as Airport Fire spreads to 1,300 acres
Schools in the vicinity of the Airport Fire are closely monitoring the blaze that has charred about 1,300 acres near Trabuco Creek Road.
The Orange County Fire Authority continues to battle the fire aggressively, urging the public to stay away from the area to allow emergency personnel to operate effectively.
Mandatory evacuations are in place for the Robinson Ranch community. Voluntary evacuation warning for residences near Rose Canyon Road, Trabuco Creek Road, Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Oaks Drive, Joplin Loop and Cook’s Corner, a bar on Santiago Canyon Road.
Updated evacuation information can be found on the Orange County Sheriff’s website.
So far, no school closures have been announced. However, students in after-school programs at Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District were moved to alternative locations.