Sunland-Tujunga Fire: Blaze In Los Angeles Area Threatens Homes

UPDATE 3.30. a.m. EST — The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that the brush fire which had spread to 13 acres had been extinguished, despite wind speeds of up to 10 mph.

While the cause was still under investigation, the department said no structures were damaged despite being initially threatened in the Riverwood community area. Injuries to civilians or firefighters were also not reported. Crews were expected to remain at the scene through the night.

Original Story:

A brush fire broke out Thursday evening in the Sunland-Tujunga area in Los Angeles, California, according to the LA Fire Department.

The blaze erupted just before 11. p.m. EST near the Oro Vista Park at Big Tujunga Canyon Road and Oro Vista Avenue and was threatening structures in the area after they were burning through heavy brush. The cause of the fire was not immediately determined.

No evacuation orders were given as of 12.25 a.m. EST. According to the Los Angeles Times, the area was near a number of hillside homes.

Los Angeles County Fire Department and City Fire Department helicopters were dropping water to prevent the fire from spreading.

LAFD Assistant Chief Guy Tomlinson said firefighters had arrived to find an acre of land already scorched and gusty winds of up to 20 mph fanning the embers ahead towards homes in the vicinity.

There were also three spot fires near Riverwood development, an area that had approximately 30 residences, Tomilson added, according to KTLA. The ground officers of the fire department were stationed in a strategic manner to prevent the fire from getting into the homes, Tomilson stated.
A number of people were also residents in the wash area nearby.

Los Angeles Police Department officers were standing by at the scene to assist. The area where the brush fire broke out was close to the where Creek Fire had burnt down more than 15,000 acres and destroyed 120 structures, including 60 homes.

“Burning into the Creek Fire. It’s the vegetation that did not burn yet from the Creek Fire, so that’s why we jumped on it right away, to keep it out of those homes,” Tomlinson said.

According to KTLA, a SigAlert was briefly issued for the Nos. 4 and 5 lanes of the northbound 5 Freeway in Sun Valley and the Sunland on-ramp. It was, however, canceled within 15 minutes by the California Highway Patrol.

This is a developing story.