Firefighters continue progress on Sand Fire; 85 percent contained

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (KABC) -- The massive Sand Fire, which has burned more than 38,800 acres in the Santa Clarita hillsides, is now 85 percent contained.

More than 1,700 firefighters continue to make progress on the blaze Friday, which started the week before and quickly spread through the dry brush.

The 38,873-acre fire caused evacuations for about 20,000 residents, destroyed 18 homes, caused poor air quality in much of Los Angeles County and closed dozens of roads.

As the blaze nears full containment, only two road closures remain in place: Sand Canyon Road and Placerita Canyon Road going into Bear Divide, and Little Tujunga Canyon Road north of the Wildlife Waystation.

One person was killed in the fire after he failed to follow evacuation orders in a neighborhood where he was visiting a friend.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.