LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
A firefighting helicopter makes a water drop near Kagel Canyon on Sunday October 12, 2008 | © Jonathan Alcorn
At least two residences and three motor homes were destroyed this morning in the Marek Wildland Fire, which broke out around 2 a.m. in the rugged Angeles National Forest about 20 miles northeast of downtown LA.
More than 1,000 people have been evacuated from Lopez and Kagel Canyons and 900 firefighting personnel are on the scene and in the air, according to InciWeb.
Winds from the north are keeping the fire away from a nearby animal sanctuary and rehabilitation facility. The 160-acre Wildlife Waystation houses more than 400 animals, including lions, bears and deer.
* The fire was 20 percent contained as of 2:55 p.m.,The fire was 10 percent contained as of 10:20 a.m. however, strong Santa Ana winds were expected to pickup throughout LA County through Tuesday. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Tune into KNX 1070 AM for the latest or stream via this link.
Recommended reading: "The Science Behind LAFD Fire Weather," LAFD Blog, 10/10/08