A brush fire erupted near homes in the Stevenson Ranch area of the Santa Clarita Valley on Monday afternoon, prompting a swift response from firefighters.
The blaze was reported in a hiking area within Pico Canyon Park near Magnolia Lane.
Los Angeles County firefighters responded to reports of a brush fire at 4:20 p.m., with crews escalating the response to a second alarm by 4:57 p.m. The blaze had grown to approximately 15 acres and was threatening nearby structures, according to the LA County Fire Department.
The fire had grown to over 40 acres as of 6 p.m.. A short time later, the LA County FD announced forward progress had been stopped at 45 acres.
Footage from SCV Scanner showed flames shooting into the sky as black smoke filled the air when it first erupted. Officials put out evacuation warnings and orders about an hour after the fire started.
Residents in the area also got a shelter in place warning to their phones which later evolved into evacuation warnings and orders.
“Wildfire in Stevenson Ranch. A SHELTER IN PLACE has been issued for Southeast of Pico Canyon Rd and Stevenson Ranch Pkwy. Bring all people and pets indoors. Remain indoors with doors and windows closed,” the warning said.
It’s currently unclear what started the blaze.
