Many evacuated due to Sand Fire allowed to return home

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Many evacuated due to Sand Fire allowed to return home
Many residents evacuated due to the Sand Fire were allowed to return home.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (KABC) -- Sand Fire flames in the Santa Clarita area have torched more than 35,000 acres by Monday morning, and officials were concerned shifting winds could make matters worse.

The raging fire destroyed 18 structures in its path in the areas of Sand Canyon, Bear Divide and Little Tujunga, and was threatening thousands of others. The destructive blaze has consumed approximately 35,155 acres, which is nearly 55 square miles. The containment remains at 10 percent.

Mandatory evacuations were issued for 10,000 homes, which covers approximately 20,000 residents, and 200 commercial buildings were threatened, according to officials from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Officials announced all residents in evacuated areas were allowed to return home at 7 p.m., with the exception of those located on Placerita Canyon Road from Running Horse Lane to Pacy Street, and Little Tujunga Canyon Road from the Wildlife Way Station to Sand Canyon Road & Placerita Canyon Road.

Officials said all residents entering the area would need to provide identification. Authorities also urged those who did not need to return home immediately to wait until later in the evening to help with traffic congestion.

Fire crews dropped Phos-Chek fire retardant along the ridge of the fire, trying to prevent the flames from spreading.

Firefighters continue the battle against the Sand Fire, which has scorched more than 33,000 acres and destroyed more than a dozen homes in northern Los Angeles County.

"[Firefighters] felt they lost additional structures because they had to stop what they were doing to help citizens evacuate," said L.A. County Fire Chief Daryl Osby.

CHP Sgt. Kevin Pack said residents trying to get back to their homes have nearly run over officers and deputies.

More than a dozen homes in the path of the massive Sand Fire were burned down to the ground.

"To those who are still here, if we ask for a mandatory evacuation, there's a reason we're doing that, it's to protect all the public," Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell said.

Officials are concerned about weather conditions, as winds are expected to remain in the 25 to 30 mph range Monday evening. Winds are forecasted to die down overnight, with conditions remaining less windy for Tuesday morning.

Fire behavior was expected to be similar to previous days, as fire crews continued to respond to the five-year drought, low humidity and extreme temperatures causing the fire to move quickly.

"The significant amount of fuels on the fire are like 30 years old, so they're decadent. They've created explosive conditions," said Chief Mike Wakoski, incident commander of SoCal Team 3.

L.A. County Board Supervisor Michael Antonovich addressed the topic of Super Scoopers. The county leases them from Canada after the end of Canada's fire season, but that isn't until next month.

Antonovich said the supervisor board proclaimed a local emergency on Monday. The board was scheduled to ratify the local emergency on Tuesday. Osby added that the use of contract air in this firefight will be re-evaluated.

MORE: Drones interfering with Sand Fire battling efforts

The Sand Fire has charred an average of 10,000 acres per day, Tripp said. He estimated that approximately 2,000 homes have been saved in the past three days. He said the areas of Sand Canyon and Via Princessa are currently being checked and hoped to repopulate those areas sometime Monday.

In addition to the homes burned, the fire has also charred several other structures on the Sable Ranch, a well-known filming location, according to authorities.

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Firefighters turn away from a flareup as they work to stop the advance of the Sand fire near the town of Acton, Calif., Monday, July 25, 2016.
Nick Ut

A man's body was found in a burned sedan in the 26700 block of Iron Canyon Road, which is near one of the neighborhoods where a home had burned.

More than 3,370 fire personnel from throughout the state were helping battle the fire, along with 435 engines, 22 dozers, 17 water tenders, 23 helicopters and two firefighter rescue teams. Two firefighters were reported to have suffered minor injuries in the firefight as of Monday morning.

The blaze broke out Friday afternoon along the northbound 14 Freeway near Sand Canyon. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

EVACUATION ORDERS

The evacuation areas include:

- All residents along Placerita Canyon Road from Running Horse Lane to Pacy Street.
- All residents along Little Tujunga Canyon Road from the Wildlife Way Station to Sand Canyon Road and Placerita Canyon Road.

MORE: Latest evacuations, road closures, shelter updates for Sand Fire

Evacuation centers were set up at Hart High School, 24825 N. Newhall, Santa Clarita and Lake View Terrace Recreation Center, 11075 Foothill Blvd, Lake View Terrace. Another evacuation center was set up at Highland High School, 39055 25th Street West, Palmdale. The Evacuation Center at Golden Valley High School was closed.

About 770 large animals were in the care of Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control. Small animals can go to Hart High School and Highland High School.

For a full list of road closures, you can check http://dpw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures.

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