Volunteers help cleanup Sun Valley school dirtied by La Tuna Fire

SUN VALLEY, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Volunteers pitched in to cleanup a Sun Valley school Monday that was covered in ash after the La Tuna Fire came dangerously close.

Dozens of volunteers comprising parents, students and community members washed away the ashes and wiped down railings and windows at Village Christian School.

"It shows that people really do care about this place. It's been here since 1949," fifth-grader Angelo Buonamassa said.

On Saturday, strong winds shifted and pushed the fire over the hillside. It came within yards of the school, but water-dropping helicopters were able to put out the flames before they could do any damage.

The head of Village Christian watched the fire as it came closer and closer to the campus.

"It was quite concerning because it was out-of-control fire," Tom Konjoyan said. "We trusted in our firefighters, we trusted that God would protect our school - and sure enough, they both did."

Students also thought they might not start school on time, but thanks to the help of volunteers, the campus will be ready for the first day on Tuesday.

The campus community was thankful to all of the volunteers who came out to clean up the school.