Santa Clarita / Antelope Valley : Suspected Arson Damages Structures, Burns 15 Acres

A suspected arson damaged two structures and consumed about 15 acres of light brush in a residential area Monday afternoon, county fire officials said

The roof of a residence in the 1200 block of West Avenue J-8 and the garage roof of an adjacent structure were damaged in the blaze, which began shortly after 4 p.m., said Inspector Devin Trone, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Firefighters also had to protect a 1,000-gallon propane tank in the area, and a hazardous materials crew was called in to identify the contents of four partially filled 55-gallon drums discovered by firefighters on 13th Street West, in the fire area, Trone said.

Five fire stations, aided by two helicopter units, battled the blaze for more than an hour before it was brought under control about 5:20 p.m., Trone said.

A battalion chief on charge at the scene described the blaze as a possible arson, but provided no other details, Trone said.