Santa Clarita

Firefighters Protect Homes From 1,500-Acre Fire in Santa Clarita Valley

Hundreds of residents were advised to prepare for evacuations due to the fast-moving fire pushed by strong winds north of LA.

NBC Universal, Inc.

Evacuations were lifted Monday afternoon after a 1,500-acre brush fire threatened homes and injured one firefighter in the Santa Clarita area.

The Soledad Fire jumped the Antelope Valley Freeway near Soledad Canyon Road Sunday. Evacuations were in place from Agua Dulce Canyon Road to Briggs Road and from Soledad Canyon Road to the 14 Freeway.

Repopulation began at 2 p.m. Residents were required to show identification to return to residences.

The fire was 48% contained Monday evening. Smoke was drifting through the Santa Clarita Valley and into the San Gabriel Valley east of Los Angeles.

The Red Cross had established a temporary evacuation site at Victory Outreach parking lot located at 37419 25th Street East in Palmdale, with residents being asked to remain in their vehicles at the site.

Drivers heading south on the 14 Freeway said they had been stranded for hours.

All southbound 14 Freeway lanes reopened early Monday. Two northbound lanes remained closed.

Drivers were advised to use the 5 Freeway and the 138 Freeway as an alternate between the Antelope Valley and the San Fernando Valley.

County fire sent 18 engines, five trucks, five water-dropping helicopters to the scene, and fixed-winged aircraft dropped retardant, said County Fire Department Dispatch Supervisor Melanie Flores.

The LAFD sent a water-dropping helicopter and strike team consisting of five engines to help, according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart and Flores.

The Castaic Animal Care Center located at 31044 Charlie Canyon Road, Castaic, CA 91384 was being used as large animal sheltering/evacuation for those affected by the fire, the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management said in a tweet.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Contact Us