2 huge wildfires burn near LA; at least 2 are dead

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two huge wildfires driven by strong Santa Ana winds burned into neighborhoods near Los Angeles on Monday, forcing frantic evacuations on smoke- and traffic-choked highways, destroying homes and causing at least two deaths.

Around sunset, residents were warned to stay on alert during the night, and winds more than 60 mph were forecast.

More than 1,000 firefighters and nine water-dropping aircraft battled the 4,700-acre Marek Fire at the northeast end of the San Fernando Valley, and the 5,000-acre Sesnon Fire at the west end.

Winds blew up to 45 mph with gusts reaching 70 mph at midday. They were forecast to diminish in the evening before roaring over 60 mph after 11 p.m.

“This fire has the real potential of moving from where it is now ... as far as Pacific Coast [Highway],” said Los Angles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman.

Residents downwind were warned to remain alert into the night.

Authorities confirmed more than three-dozen mobile homes burned at the Marek Fire, and TV news helicopter crews counted about 10 homes destroyed by the Sesnon Fire.