Thousands evacuate Southern California as wind-fueled fires burn homes

Name: Coastal homes burn as hot winds fuel California fires
Uploaded: 2026-10-17T17:13:06.107Z
Duration: 34 s
Channel: The Weather Channel
Description: Several wildfires, fueled by hot Santa Ana wind gusts, are burning Southern California, forcing thousands of people to evacuate.

ByMark SmithandTatum Fry•

October 17, 2026

Updated: October 17, 2026, 1:31 pm EDTPublished: October 17, 2026, 1:13 pm EDT

Several wildfires, fueled by hot Santa Ana wind gusts, are burning Southern California, forcing thousands of people to evacuate. Conditions that increase the fire risk were expected to last through Saturday night, with a heat advisory in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday on the Orange County and San Diego County coast.