Brush fire breaks out in Santa Clarita, damaging multiple units in two residential complexes

A brush fire erupted in Santa Clarita on Monday afternoon, scorching 10 acres as it raced toward homes and burned part of a residential complex, officials said.

The blaze damaged 13 units in two residential complexes when embers traveled through the vents during the firefight, said Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Joey Marron. By late Monday, it was 85% contained and forward progress had been stopped.

The blaze broke out near 20900 Via Estrella after 4 p.m., with smoke visible from a mile away, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The blaze quickly ran uphill, threatening multiple structures.

Three fire personnel, including a captain, sustained minor injuries. Two were treated for minor burns, while one was treated for smoke inhalation. No building residents were injured.

At least one building caught fire, sending thick black smoke in the air, according to live television footage. Flames were burning bushes several feet away as sheriff’s deputies tried to get into at least one unit. It’s unclear if the building was occupied.

Fire crews mounted an aggressive attack, making water drops from a helicopter while firefighters on the ground fought flames with hoses.

The blaze erupted as firefighters across the state are battling more than a dozen wildfires that together have charred more than 200,000 acres and stretched fire resources thin. At least eight people have died in the fires.

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UPDATES:

10:15 p.m.: This article was updated with a tweet about the fire from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.

10:10 p.m.: This article was updated with new information about damaged units.

7:35 p.m.: This article was updated with new fire figures and injuries.

5:20 p.m.: This article was updated with more information about the firefight.

5 p.m.: This article was updated with information from live television footage.

This article was originally published at 4:50 p.m.