A destructive 70,000-acre brush fire, pushed by strong Santa Ana winds, marched through Los Angeles and Ventura counties toward the sea, destroying at least 150 homes and forcing the evacuation of more than 200,000 people.

Firefighters are looking ahead to a narrow window of calm wind Saturday as they battle to gain ground on the Woolsey Fire, which burned forced closures Friday on the 101 Freeway and Pacific Coast Highway. After a brief respite from the strong winds, a red flag warning goes into effect against early Sunday and isn't set to expire until Tuesday evening.

"Last night was a tough night," said Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen. "Mother Nature has given us a little reprieve today. The winds have stopped. It gives us some opportunities. But please don't let your guard down."