Fire crews battle Southern California blaze that burned 6 homes, led to the evacuation of 16,000

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (AP) — Fire crews in Southern California worked Saturday to contain a wind-driven blaze that charred hills and burned at least six large coastal homes, prompting the evacuation of thousands of people.Hundreds of firefighters worked through the night on a blaze burning on the hills that straddle the coastal cities of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, in Orange County. On a scenic hill popular with hikers, only an American flag remained among the scorched terrain.The fast-moving Norte Fire sparked Friday in San Clemente amid hot, strong Santa Ana winds that drove it into San Juan Capistrano, prompting the evacuation of about 16,000 residents.It was one of several fires in the region hit by dry, warm gusts known as Santa Anas, which blow from the interior and toward the coast. The strongest winds hit the area Friday afternoon. But conditions that increase the fire risk were expected to last through Saturday night, with a heat advisory in effect until 8 p.m.