Saugus Area Brush Fire Quelled; No Buildings Damaged

More than 300 firefighters, supported by 11 camp crews and a contingent of water-dropping helicopters, battled a raging brush fire Saturday in Saugus that blackened about 1,000 acres, Los Angeles County fire officials said.

Though towering flames and black smoke billowed high above the Santa Susana Mountains when the fire was at its peak, no structures were damaged and no injuries were reported, said Los Angeles County Battalion Chief Jim Crawford.

By 9:30 p.m., the fire was reported to be 80% contained.

The blaze erupted shortly before 2 p.m., near the former Saugus Speedway, on the 22000 block of Derby Place and Sheffield Lane. Flames spread quickly, fanned by 15 mph winds blowing from the west.

County fire officials immediately deployed two SuperScooper aircraft, six heli-tankers and four water droppers to attack the fire from above. On the ground, about 21 engines with more than 300 firefighters and 11 camp crews fought the fire.

Crawford said structures were not damaged because many residents had cleared brush from within 200 feet of their buildings in accordance with the fire code.

“That clearance really helped us defend their structures,” he said.

No evacuations were ordered by authorities. But, roads surrounding the brush were closed, causing traffic jams in the area, Crawford said.

Firefighters remained overnight to guard against flare-ups, Crawford said.