Air tanker drops fire retardant over hillsides as Norte Fire spreads in California, USA

On October 16, 2026, in Dana Point, California, USA, @Buildmorepickle shared a video showing an air tanker dropping fire retardant to help contain the fast-moving Norte Fire near Doheny State Beach. In the video, the aircraft releases a bright pink-orange line of retardant over the hillsides as a massive plume of dark smoke rises from the burning coastal ridges. The video was recorded around 3:20 p.m. as firefighting crews worked to prevent the fire from spreading. According to reports, the fire broke out near Portico Del Norte and Eminencia Del Norte in San Clemente at approximately 11:33 a.m. Strong Santa Ana winds fueled its rapid spread, burning around 570 acres and prompting evacuation orders for approximately 16,000 residents in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. Seven homes were reportedly damaged or destroyed. The fire reached 100% containment by October 22, allowing evacuated residents to return as restrictions were lifted.