Sand Fire Grows To 1,500 Acres In Santa Clarita
Smoke from the Sage Fire billows above a residential street. Courtesy Cal Fire
The Sage Fire, which has scorched about 1,110 acres west of Santa Clarita, was 85 percent contained Monday night, the Los Angeles County Fire Department announced.
The blaze was first noticed about 12:05 p.m. Saturday, and its cause has yet to be publicly identified. Three firefighters have been injured battling the flames and at least one building damaged.
A smoke advisory issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District due to the fire was extended through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.
Smoke is expected to move to the north and east today, but could settle in the area tonight and in the morning, depending on fire and weather conditions, according to the AQMD.
Air quality may reach unhealthy levels in areas directly impacted by smoke, according to the agency. Areas of direct smoke impacts at times and unhealthy air quality will likely include portions of the Santa Clarita Valley and the San Gabriel Mountains area.
People with respiratory or heart disease, older adults and children were urged to remain indoors, with windows and doors closed as a precaution.
After the fire was reported on Saturday, residents were evacuated from 700 homes but were told about 9:30 that night that they could go home.
About 700 firefighters worked today to douse the flames, and two aircraft were also deployed. Firefighters included personnel from Los Angeles County, the city of Los Angeles, the U.S. Forest Service and the Orange County Fire Authority.
This afternoon, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that it has authorized the use of federal funds to assist with the firefighting effort.
The state submitted a request on Saturday for a Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Sage Fire.
In response to the request, the Regional Administrator for FEMA Region IX Office determined that the Sage Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster, according to FEMA. Californias request was therefore approved.
Fire Management Assistance Grants provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs.
City News Service
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Source: http://mynewsla.com/crime/2016/07/11/giant-santa-clarita-fire-still-dangerous-65-contained-evacuations-ended/
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