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