By Gillian Flaccus, Associated Press WriterLOS ANGELES High wind warnings remained in effect for much of Southern California Friday morning after powerful gusts knocked out power for tens of thousands of utility customers Thursday, stoked a wildfire in the hills above Los Angeles that damaged expensive homes and triggered a sandstorm that may have led to a fatal highway pileup.The National Weather Service's wind advisory was in place through 9 a.m. Friday for mountain areas in Los Angeles County, excluding the Santa Monica mountain range, and north in Ventura County with warnings that gusts could reach 55 mph.
Interim Los Angeles Fire Chief Douglas Barry said the fire was essentially contained but firefighters were still working because of hotspots and concern that winds could fan embers into flames.
Some 200 firefighters managed to keep the fire from spreading beyond 15 acres Thursday despite the fierce winds and dry conditions. Barry said there was severe damage to two homes and roof damage to another. A Beverly Hills city statement, however, said one was a total loss.
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