LAFD Helicopters Battle Wild Fire

Los Angeles County Fire Department helicopters are battling a wildfire that broke out in the San Fernando Valley around 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 13, and continues to spread westward toward the coast. By afternoon, the blaze had devastated more than 11,000 acres of land, destroying several homes and contributing to the deaths of two citizens. Officials fear the Santa Ana winds, which have already caused the fire to jump an eight-lane highway that would otherwise have served as a fire break, will continue to drive the flames across thousands of additional acres. Attempts by county fire helicopters to drop water on at-risk homes have sometimes proven futile, due to 60 mph gusts of wind blowing the water off target. "We've had eight helicopters working the blaze up until now," an LAPD spokesman told R&W during a conversation early the following morning.  "They're on the ground until it gets light again."   For related news