Wildfire threatens homes near LA
los angeles — A fast-moving wildfire that has forced hundreds of people to flee from their homes in the drought-parched foothills northwest of Los Angeles had blackened some 20,000 acres by Saturday night and was threatening homes and commercial structures, fire officials said.
The so-called Sand Fire broke out shortly after 2pm on Friday and spread quickly near Santa Clarita, about 65km northwest of the city, prompting evacuation orders covering about 1,500 homes.
By late Saturday night the Southern California blaze was 10 percent contained, and was casting a pall of thick black smoke over much of Los Angeles and threatening about 100 commercial structures.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s homicide detectives were investigating circumstances surrounding a man found dead in an evacuation area.
Media reported a resident was found dead in a burned car, citing a neighbour who said the man’s house has burned down.
Residents earlier posted pictures on social media of the sun blotted out by the towering plumes and the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory, warning of unhealthy air conditions in the region.
Officials said structures had been destroyed or damaged in the Bear Divide and Sand Canyon areas.
“Because this is the fifth year of an ongoing drought we have a lot dry vegetation,” Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby told a news conference.
“Some of these fuels, they haven’t burned in decades. This fire has increased to about 11,000 acres just overnight.” —