Fast-moving wildfire destroys homes, forces overnight evacuations and cripples Los Angeles freeways

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Oliver Knight/iStock(LOS ANGELES) — An apocalyptic scene is emerging in Southern California after fast-moving wildfires broke out overnight, destroying homes and forcing residents to flee.

The blazes are closing some schools and even crippling Los Angeles freeways, leaving frantic drivers in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

The Saddleridge Fire has consumed over 4,000 acres in the San Fernando valley, just north of Los Angeles, and with roadways blocked, some residents fled their homes on foot at 3 a.m.

At least nine fires are burning in the Golden State Friday morning, including five in Southern California, fueled by gusty winds blowing through the region.

Wind gusts reached 60 mph in Los Angeles County and 70 mph in San Bernardino County Friday morning. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued an extreme fire danger from Los Angeles to San Diego for Friday morning through Friday afternoon.

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