A smoke advisory has been issued as the raging Sand Fire east of Santa Clarita continues to scorch the Angeles National Forest.
The smoke advisory is in effect today and will expire midnight Monday. Areas closest to the fire will suffer the greatest impacts. While smoke is expected to move north and northeast by Sunday night, depending on fire conditions smoke may settle in the valleys.
Areas of direct smoke impacts will include the San Gabriel and Santa Clarita valleys, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District., which warns everyone should avoid vigorous outdoor activities.
People with respiratory ailments or heart disease, older adults and children should remain indoors, the SCAQMD said.
Since Friday, the Sand Fire has already burned 22,000 acres of brush, destroyed 18 homes and may have claimed one life after authorities discovered a body inside a burned out vehicle.
The fire is 10 percent contained.
Many neighborhoods have been evacuated as the fire continues to grow in size. Plans to repopulate Sand Canyon were rescinded Sunday afternoon, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Winds as high as 30 miles per hour continue to drive the fire.
Deputies with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Department have told residents of Soledad Canyon Road going into Agua Dulce and Acton to evacuate.
The newest evacuations are for residents from Agua Dulce Canyon Road north to the 14 freeway and Crown Valley north to the 14 freeway.
