Sage Fire near Santa Clarita burns; evacuations lifted

A fast-moving brush fire in the Santa Clarita Valley burned over 1,000 acres by Sunday afternoon but is no longer threatening residences, firefighter say. The fire is burning thick chaparral in a rugged canyon.

This story is no longer being updated.

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Update Sun, 3:30 p.m.:  Structure reported damaged; Red flag warning remains in effect

One structure has been damaged by the fire. Road closures will continue at Pico Cyn. at Stevenson Pkwy., Southern Oaks and the Old Road. Access to these areas is restricted to residents only. The fire is holding steady at 1,109 acres burned and 20 percent containment. A red flag warning remains in effect through Monday at 6 a.m.

Update Sun, 9:18 a.m.: Evacuations lifted, but crews concerned about winds

The Sage Fire broke out around noon Saturday near Calgrove Blvd. and the Old Road, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Approximately 700 personnel are battling the blaze. Firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service are assisting with hotshot crews and engines. Gustavo Medina with the L.A. County Fire Department told KPCC on Saturday afternoon that four helicopters, a DC-10 and an air crane were also fighting the fire.

Fire captain Tony Imbrenda says he's expecting winds to kick up around 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon so crews are continuing to reinforce containment lines and take out any hot spots.

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All evacuations were lifted by Saturday evening at 9:30 p.m. after approximately 2,000 people had fled the Stevenson Ranch area earlier that day.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered for the communities of Old Stone, Morning Mist, Oak Creek and Southern Oak Drive between Greenbriar Drive and Meadow Lane. Additional evacuations have been ordered for Autumn Place, Shady Glen Court and Magnolia Lane west of Oakridge Road. An evacuation center that was set up at West Ranch High School in Stevenson Ranch will close by 11 p.m. Sunday night.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an air quality alert advising people who live and work in the Santa Clarita Valley or Pomona areas and have heart or respiratory disease to remain indoors. Everyone in those areas should avoid vigorous outdoor or indoor activities.

AM-1220 KHTS reports that a vehicle fire may have sparked the fire. The cause of the blaze is under investigation. 

Traffic on the 5 Freeway in the Santa Clarita and Newhall area has been impacted.

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