WildFire: 100,000 Evacuate, 1 dead near L.A.

UPDATE (1:20 p.m. ET): The Saddleridge fire has damaged at least 25 homes and is “zero percent contained.” A man speaking with first responders near the blaze suffered a fatal heart attack. (USA Today)

So much for those blackouts preventing wildfires. The Saddleridge blaze north of L.A. has forced the evacuation of 13,000 homes.

The fire has already scorched 4600 acres, and fire officials say they don’t know how many homes are at risk. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.

Santa Ana winds are forecast to hit 60 miles per hour with gusts to 70 in higher elevations in the area. (USA Today)

Hot Takes:

  • Most of the power outages are actually in Northern California, and there’s no word on whether power lines are to blame for this fire.
  • It’s important to understand: These aren’t “forest fires.” These are out-of-control brush fires in populated areas.
  • Let’s hope we don’t have another political tug of war over disaster funds.