CH-47 Chinook helicopter battles Norte Fire as smoke rises along the California coast, USA

On October 16, 2026, in California, USA, @Buildmorepickle shared a video showing a Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter assisting firefighting efforts against the Norte Fire near Doheny State Beach. In the video, thick smoke rises over the coast as the helicopter operates near the blaze, while beachgoers watch from the shoreline. According to reports, the fire broke out near Portico Del Norte and Eminencia Del Norte in San Clemente shortly after 11:30 a.m. Strong Santa Ana winds fueled its rapid spread, and the fire eventually burned approximately 570 acres and damaged or destroyed several homes. Mandatory evacuation orders affected thousands of residents in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano before firefighters stopped the fire's forward progress. Authorities urged residents in evacuation zones to leave immediately and follow safety instructions.