The Santa Monica Mountains are a coastal range in Southern California, adjacent to the Pacific, and among California’s most-visited protected areas.
A series of fires in Southern California has prompted evacuations and widespread power shutoffs as dry Santa Ana winds drive critical fire weather. Officials say preemptive staffing and power cuts are under way to reduce risk, with more updates expected as conditions evolve.
The Norte Fire has grown rapidly in Orange County, burning hundreds of acres while Santa Ana winds drive the blaze and evacuation orders expand. Firefighters are attacking from the ground and air as temperatures rise and power outages affect tens of thousands.