Several communities in the Santa Clarita area are under a mandatory evacuation order, and firefighters are responding to a structure fire near Pick-Up-Stix. As firefighters continue to battle the fire, the Santa Clarita Fire Today reminds us all that preparation is the key to survival.
% containment
Approximately 3,800 structures were at risk from the Santa Clarita fire, according to officials. The fire is wind driven and triggered by dry winds. It is expected to continue burning through the weekend.
The fire is being fought by more than 600 firefighters. Several County Fire Department helicopters are battling the blaze, which has been burning for more than a week. Several structures have been damaged or destroyed, including a firefighting outbuilding and a home along the Ridge Route.
An unhealthy air quality advisory is affecting portions of the Santa Clarita Valley and San Fernando Valley. The advisory is valid from 6 p.m. on Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday.
The fire is estimated to be about 640 acres. The fire has been burning unchecked, but firefighters have made progress, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. They say they have reduced the acreage by 30%.
Structure fire at Pick-Up-Stix prompts response from firefighters
Several fires lit up the Santa Clara Valley over the course of the weekend. Some blazes even prompted a state of emergency. The county’s Fire District will be putting the rest of us on alert by means of an online data tool that will alert citizens of possible evacuations. The most notable fires are in the Canyon Country and Willow Glen. Several small fires are also a-foot in the 5 Freeway.
The best part about these small fires is that none of them are a total fire snafu. No injuries were reported. The County’s Health System has also done its part to ensure the safety of residents. There were no fires reported at the county’s two largest medical centers. Some residents of Willow Glen were relocated to nearby Mountain View.
School districts affected by santa clarita fires
Thousands of residents in Santa Clarita and the Los Angeles area have been forced to evacuate due to fires. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the area because of high winds and low humidity. Several districts have canceled classes due to the threat.
Los Angeles County fire officials have confirmed that six structures have been destroyed. The fires have burned nearly 4,000 acres so far. They have caused no injuries. However, officials say there is no complete containment of the fires.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have been working with other Unified command partners to battle the fires. A Federal Emergency Management Agency grant allows seventy-five percent of firefighting costs to be covered.
Expected number of days over 99oF
Despite a drier-than-normal weather pattern, Southern California remains on high alert for fire dangers. Several large fires have burned across the state in recent months, including the Sand Fire near Los Angeles, which charred 11,000 acres. This is the largest fire in California this year. It’s still 10 percent contained.
According to the National Weather Service, another Santa Ana event is expected for Saturday, but it’s not as strong as the one occurring now. The Santa Ana winds typically come from the northeast and tend to accelerate over mountain slopes. In addition, they can generate strong gusts in valleys.
Several large fires have burned across California in the past few months, including the Sand Fire near Los Angeles, the Mosquito Fire east of Sacramento and the Bridger Foothills Fire in the Sierra Nevada. These events, along with a multi-year megadrought, have created a favorable environment for wildfires. In addition, low humidity levels have contributed to the dry conditions.
Preparation is the key to surviving a wildfire
Getting ready for a Santa Clarita fire is a crucial step in your home’s survival. A wildfire can come out of nowhere and move at an alarming rate. Being prepared means you’ll have what you need to stay safe and help others in your neighborhood.
Before the fire comes, you’ll want to make sure your yard is clean of leaves and debris. You should also remove dry pine needles from the roof and gutters. This can help firefighters spot your home before it burns down.
It’s also a good idea to remove flammable curtains and furniture from your home. If you have to evacuate, you’ll be better able to see where you’re going.
You should keep a 3-day supply of food and water in case you are unable to leave your home. You should also have a NOAA emergency radio that is set to alert.