Small brush fire prompts quick response in Santa Clarita amid red flag warnings

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (KABC) -- A small brush fire burned near homes in Santa Clarita Saturday night, prompting firefighters to get into defensive mode as the area was under a red flag warning.

The blaze broke out around 8:15 p.m. in the 18000 block of Goodvale Road. The less than 2-acre blaze was being fueled by 15 mph winds.

Fire officials said the fires were two small bonfires that had flying embers that ignited the hillside.

Resident Jeff Clark was at home when crews arrived on scene.

"We walked outside and the entire hill was on fire. It was a really large blaze. It was kind of scary. We didn't hear it, we didn't smell it," he said. "We just started packing because it's a half-mile, quarter-mile away."

Neighbors helped one another evacuate horses from their corrals as a precaution. Residents said they were ready to evacuate after dealing with large fires in the past.

By 9 p.m., the 70 firefighters at the scene had the small fire under control with the help of three water-dropping helicopters.

"Within five to 10 minutes, they had it practically knocked down. It was really impressive to watch and we're very grateful for them," Clark said.

Because of the red flag warning and strong winds in the area, the Los Angeles County Fire Department staffed an additional 141 personnel until the warning expires.

The cause of the fire was unknown.