GRANADA HILLS (CNS) – A wind- and terrain-driven wildfire scorched about
five acres in the Granada Hills area today before being beaten down by fire
crews who prevented any damage to homes, but just as they were getting the
upper hand on the blaze a second fire broke out in grass in nearby Mission
Hills.
The first fire was reported about 11 a.m. near the 12300 block of
Highwater Road, according to Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
More than 200 personnel, backed by helicopter crews, had the fire
contained in about 90 minutes, but continued working to douse hot spots in the
smoldering brushy. About 10 homes were threatened for a time, but residents
were safely evacuated. According to the LAFD, a “handful” of firefighters
suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and two were taken to hospitals.
Fire crews credited residents for the brush clearance that had been done
around the homes, helping to prevent the flames from reaching any structures.
About 12:45 p.m., a roughly one-acre grass fire broke out near the Los
Angeles Reservoir east of the original fire.
A fire official said it did not appear that the second fire, about two
or three miles to the east, was related to the first blaze. Winds appeared to
be blowing in the opposite direction from the initial fire.
Winds of about 15 mph were reported in the area, with gusts of up to 40
mph, a fire official said.