The Sage Fire, which has scorched 1,110 acres west of Santa Clarita, remained at 85 percent containment Tuesday afternoon as 550 firefighters continued efforts to fully douse the flames, the Los Angeles County Fire Department announced.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that it has authorized the use of federal funds to assist with the firefighting effort, which has involved personnel from Los Angeles County, the city of Los Angeles, the U.S. Forest Service and the Orange County Fire Authority. Fire Management Assistance Grants provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs.
Since the blaze was reported about 12:05 p.m. Saturday, three firefighters have been injured and at least one building damaged. Investigators have not yet commented publicly on the cause of the fire.
A smoke advisory issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District due to the fire was extended through 11:59 p.m. tonight.
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.
–City News Service