Wildfire near Los Angeles prompts urgent evacuations as flames destroy homes

A wildfire near Los Angeles has prompted authorities to order thousands of residents to evacuate. The fire has destroyed dozens of homes and left tens of thousands without power. Strong winds are complicating firefighting efforts. The Mountain Fire has rapidly spread, consuming nearly 20,000 acres since it started on Wednesday. Flames have jumped unpredictably, threatening more homes and prompting urgent evacuations. Residents are fleeing with little time to gather belongings. Firefighters are actively working to contain the blaze, using ground crews and bulldozers to protect homes. The situation remains critical as the fire continues to grow amid challenging weather conditions.