California Declares State of Emergency Over Los Angeles County Wildfire – Updates, Map of Fire and How to Help
Sand Fire still 25% contained; thousands of residents affected and displaced; donations welcome.
The Santa Clarita Sand Fire has destroyed more than 37,000 acres of brush, property and homes and to this day, the ranging blaze has remained unstoppable. This prompted acting Governor Tom Torlakson to declare a state of emergency over Los Angeles County Tuesday. This decision was made to be to quickly help affected communities in the area.
Aside from the Santa Clarita Sand Fire, an emergency order was also given for another raging fire, the Monterey County Soberanes Fire.
Fire is 25% contained
Get Our Latest News for FREE
There are around 3,000 firefighters found in the Sand Fire area and are composed of ground and aerial teams. As ground teams battled scorching hot temperatures in an effort to control the fire, aerial teams on firefighting helicopters are taking water from the ocean to dump over the flames. But despite their efforts, the Sand Fire remains at 25% contained.
U.S. Forest Service spokesman Justin Correll said: "There's still a lot of firefighting to be done."
Map of fire
The blaze started along the northbound 14 Freeway along the Sand Canyon Road. In total there were 18 structures that were destroyed in the area and one found along the Angeles National Forest near Sand Canyon and Bear Divide. The fire also claimed one casualty.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has allowed some residents to go back to their homes Monday evening. However, hundreds of residents found in three major fire areas were still in evacuation areas.
Smoke advisory reports were also extended by South Coast Air Quality Management District for areas such as Antelope Valley, San Gabriel Mountains and along Santa Clarita. The report said that air quality can reach dangerous levels and could cause illness.
Where to send help
Residents from more than 10,000 homes were forced to evacuate due to the uncontrollable blaze. Residents located at Acton Park tried to help by dropping off basic necessities such as water and food for victims and firefighters. Those who would like to help evacuees and firefighters may do so by:
- Sending their donations to the American Red Cross Los Angeles region.
- Dropping off their donations to the Associated Student Body of Valencia High School at the Valencia High School at 27801 Dickason Drive Santa Clarita, CA. They are taking water, snacks, Gatorade and so on.
- Sending their donations to Golden Valley High School at 27051 Robert C. Lee Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA.
- Dropping off their donations to the Associated Student Body of Saugus High School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 21900 Centurion Way Santa Clarita, CA.
- Animal food donations are accepted at Hansen Dam Stables at 11127 Orcas Avenue Sylmar, CA.
- Monetary donations, building materials, household items and furniture are accepted at Habitat for Humanity. Those who would like to donate may contact Sylvia Bardelli at 818 – 341 – 9928 or they may check out Habitat for Humanity's website at http://www.HumanityCA.org.
