Southern California fires ease as Santa Ana winds die down. But rain could bring new risks

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Set us as preferred Strong Santa Ana winds that fueled a rash of wildfires in Southern California have abated, and crews are turning a corner on the blazes that closed highways, damaged a military base and destroyed multi-million-dollar homes.But an incoming storm system could pose new risks for the region as crews continue to brace for more wild weather this fall.The most destructive of this week’s fires, the 570-acre Norte fire in San Clemente, was 25% contained as of Sunday morning, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

The blaze, which sparked around 11:30 am Friday, damaged or destroyed at least 7 structures and forced about 16,000 people to evacuate as 40 mph gusts fanned the flames.All evacuation orders have now been lifted.Firefighters will remain in the area for the next several days as they mop up hot spots and secure the fire’s perimeter, officials said.

Climate & Environment The Norte fire has burned more than 570 acres and damaged homes in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano as firefighters battle Southern California blazes.It was one of several fires to wreak havoc in the region this week, where powerful downslope Santa Ana winds met with warm temperatures and dried vegetation that was primed to burn.But a significant cool-down is expected in Southern California through the middle part of the week, with widespread rain likely Wednesday and Thursday, and possibly some thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service, which warned that the rain could trigger debris flow near recent burn scars.“Any time we get high-intensity rainfall with any showers and thunderstorms, if they occur where there’s a recent burn area, there’s always the possibility of a mud and debris flow,” said Joe Sirard, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.“So we can’t rule that out ....