Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Issues Sand Fire Information

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has posted the following information for those who might be affected by the ongoing Sand Fire northeast of Los Angeles. Posted 7 pm Sunday July 24.

#‎SandFire‬ Spreading North into Placerita Canyon, Thank you for Evacuating, Sand Canyon

Los Angeles County Firefighters and Sheriff's Deputies, along with many other police agencies, organizations, and volunteers continue to battle the Sand Fire affecting residents in the Sand Canyon area. The fire has burned approximately 22,000 acres and is currently 10 percent contained.

EVACUATIONS

Due to unexpected and increasing winds, mandatory evacuations remain in effect for the residents of Sand Canyon. Additional mandatory evacuations have now been implemented for the following areas:

East of the 14 Freeway from Golden Valley Road to Sand Canyon

East side of Via Princesa from Lost Canyon to the end of Via Princessa

All streets east of Los Canyon Road from Via Princessa to Santa Clara River and all streets east of that area

Agua Dulce Road to the west

Soledad Canyon Road to the south

Acton Camp to the east

Sierra Highway and Shady Lane to Sierra Highway at the 14 Freeway

Escondido at the 14 Freeway to Sierra Highway at the 14 Freeway.

All other evacuations remain in effect.

No large vehicles, such as trailers, RV's, horse trailers or other oversized vehicle will be allowed into the area. Fire officials still have large vehicles traveling along those streets and require adequate space to travel.

Approximately 150 Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department personnel are deployed at the fires as well as Los Angeles Police Department personnel assisting with evacuations.

Updated evacuation numbers are as follows:

1,500 homes/residents have been evacuated and 18 homes have been destroyed by the fire. A major concern continues to be the 1,500 threatened residential homes. We currently have deputies on patrol on "fire watch" to assist in spotting fires in case the wind shifts towards these homes.

Mandatory evacuations can change based on the conditions of the fire.

We ask the residents of the surrounding and nearby Sand Canyon area to remain vigilant. Please be prepared for evacuations in the event they become necessary and regularly monitor radio and news for updated information.

If additional evacuations become necessary, you are reminded to bring medications, important documents, and emergency supplies in case you are away from your residence for a prolonged period.

EVACUATION CENTERS

Those city residents who have evacuated are asked to seek shelter at the following evacuations centers:

Santa Clarita: Hart High School, 24825 North Newhall Avenue

Sylmar: Lake View Terrace Recreation Center, 11075 Foothill Blvd

Palmdale: Highland High School, 39055 25th Street West

ANIMAL SHELTERS, LIVESTOCK, PET & OTHER ANIMALS

Pet and small animals can also be taken to Golden Valley High School, 27051 Robert C. Lee Pkwy, Santa Clarita

Large animals and livestock can now be taken to an alternative evacuation site, Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills. Hansen Dam Equestrian Center has reached capacity.

Please be aware that no live stock will be allowed back into the area for at least 24 hours after the re-population of residents.

With the assistance of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the 14 Freeway is closed in both directions between the 5 Freeway and Avenue N, Acton. Also, Antelope Valley Metrolink Line 270 is cancelled due to track closure caused by the fire.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department personnel from the following stations are involved with the public safety efforts in the area: Lancaster, Malibu/Lost Hills, West Hollywood, Temple, Walnut/Diamond Bar, East Los Angeles, Carson, Lakewood, Norwalk, Century, Marina Del Rey, Compton, San Dimas, Cerritos, Palmdale, Lomita, Pico Rivera, and Transit Policing Division.

Deputies will remain in the area to provide security and escorts for fire personnel:

- Assist with notifications and evacuations if they become necessary;

- Protect residences, businesses and property;

- Provide posts at road closures;

- And assist the community as needed.

They will remain until all evacuations are lifted and the area is reopened.

Residents are urged to remain prepared and informed in the event additional evacuations become necessary.