Overnight Fire in California Forces
Evacuations for More Than 100,000 People.
The Saddleridge fire broke out in the San Fernando Valley
late Thursday night, and as of Friday morning,
has already burned more than 4,700 acres. .
Mandatory evacuations have been issued to roughly
13,000 homes, affecting over 100,000 residents.
The blaze also shut down several major highways,
and officials are unsure when they will reopen. .
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the Saddleridge
fire is currently burning at a rate of 800 acres per hour. .
Its strength and rapid spread is due to the
Santa Ana winds, which are recorded to have
reached a maximum of 46 mph on Thursday night. .
As of Friday morning, the fire is 0 percent contained,
with 1,000 firefighters currently on scene fighting the blaze. .
Because of the wind-driven factor, it creates a
more defensive posture for firefighters …
We wait until the wind dies down and can
deploy adequate resources to contain the flanks
of the fire and an early morning attack on the
fire. But at this time, we’re in flux, John Ferrer, Los Angeles firefighter,
via ‘Los Angeles Times’