The Rye Fire that broke out in Santa Clarita on Monday has burned through over 6,000 acres and reached 50 percent containment after destroying at least one structure, fire officials said Friday.
More than 5,400 remained under threat, with the communities of Simi Valley, Moorpark, Piru, Fillmore and southwest Santa Clarita warned they could be in the fire’s path, depending on shifting winds, according to Cal Fire.
The flames’ location combined with very dry conditions were creating a challenge for fire crews, officials said. And while the powerful Santa Ana winds are expected to subside late Sunday, the dry conditions are likely to continue through next week, creating further complications as firefighters try to mop up the flames.
But firefighters were able to stop the blaze’s forward spread overnight Thursday and acreage had not increased Friday morning. Favorable conditions aided the firefight throughout the day, according to Cal Fire.
One firefighter battling the blaze suffered an injury, but further details were not immediately available.
On Friday about 900 firefighters were battling the blaze, concentrating on putting out hotspots, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department Capt. Scott Miller.
“We want our residents in Los Angeles County to be vigilant,” he said. “We still have high winds and a chance for ember casts.”
Fire officials expect the incident to be fully contained in about a week, on Dec. 15.
The fire had triggered the evacuation of 5,000 people from about 1,300 homes, according to the Sheriff’s Department.