About 23,000 homes -- involving roughly 100,000 people -- have been told to evacuate in the northern Los Angeles area because of the Saddleridge Fire, Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said Friday.
At least 25 homes, many in the Porter Ranch area, have been damaged, Los Angeles Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas said.
Moore again pleaded with people to leave if they're told to do so.
"I saw people firsthand (in evacuation zones) attempting to fight the fire with garden hoses," far outmatched by the flames, he said. "Those individuals placed not only themselves in imminent peril," but also first responders "because of our need and desire to try to rescue them."
Besides burning in northern Los Angeles, the fire also is moving north toward the city of Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Deputy Dave Richardson said.
Classes in the Santa Clarita area are being canceled, an official said in a news conference.