Wind-Driven Wildfires Burn Dozens Of Southern California Homes

A wildfire exploded overnight in Southern California, burning dozens of homes and prompting mandatory evacuations. High winds driving the flames were expected to last for hours.

The fire started Thursday night in Sylmar, northwest of downtown Los Angeles.

Fueled by dry conditions and wind gusts of up to 70 mph, the Saddleridge Fire had consumed more than 4,600 acres by 3 a.m. Friday, fire officials said.

It’s one of eight active wildfires burning in California days after power was shut off to hundreds of thousands of people in an effort to prevent fires.

The Saddleridge Fire broke out after 9 p.m. along the 210 Freeway and jumped the highway.