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Sand Fire burns through more than 11,000 acres in So. California

By Daniel Uria and Eric DuVall
A wildfire in California which began on Friday afternoon quickly expanded to scorch at least 5,500 acres as firefighters worked to contain it. Hundreds of homes were placed under mandatory evacuation, but no injuries or property damage have been reported. 
 Screen capture/KCAL/AOL
A wildfire in California which began on Friday afternoon quickly expanded to scorch at least 5,500 acres as firefighters worked to contain it. Hundreds of homes were placed under mandatory evacuation, but no injuries or property damage have been reported. Screen capture/KCAL/AOL

SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 23 (UPI) -- Hundreds of firefighters in California are continuing attempts to contain a massive wildfire, dubbed the Sand Fire, which has caused a haze of smoke and ash to envelop much of the Los Angeles area.

According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the initial blaze was reported at 2:11 p.m. Friday near Highway 14 and Sand Canyon Road and has since scorched at least 11,000 acres.

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The Los Angeles County Fire Department Air Operations Section shared video of the fire citing high temperatures, low humidity and increased wind for its rapid growth.

The fire is only 10 percent contained.

More than 300 firefighters from Los Angeles County Fire and the Forest Service are in "Unified Command" and engaged in the fight.

The fire department announced that residents in 200-300 homes in unincorporated Little Tujunga Canyon were placed under mandatory evacuation and shared information about several road closures on its Twitter page.

Conditions overnight hampered efforts to contain the wildfire, which was fanned by winds gusting to 40 mph. The National Weater Service told the Los Angeles Times temperatures in a days-long heat wave were expected to spike Saturday up to 106 degrees in the Santa Clarita valley where the fire is burning, making for even more difficult conditions.

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By Sunday, however, temperatures were expected to drop considerably and more humid air should help firefighters in their efforts.

The Sand Fire has caused much of the Los Angeles region to come under a smoke advisory. Smoke and ash were noticeable as far east as Pasadena.

Animal refuge Wildlife Waystation shared a Facebook post seeking the help of residents with trailers to help evacuate more than 400 animals.

According to KABC, no injuries or damage to property has been reported as a result of the fire.

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