Crews Knock Down Granada Hills Brush Fire, Second Erupts

GRANADA HILLS (CNS/FOX 11) - A wind- and terrain-driven wildfire scorched a valley in the Granada Hills area Monday 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 flames nearly extinguished within about two hours. About 10 homes were threatened for a time, but residents were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.

There was no immediate word on the acreage of the blaze, although estimates ranged from two to 15 acres.

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 grass fire involving less than acre broke out near the northbound Golden State (5) Freeway around Roxford Street, near the Los Angeles Reservoir, Humphrey said. No homes were threatened.

It was unclear if that fire was sparked by embers from the first fire, although winds appeared to be blowing in the opposite direction from the initial blaze.

Winds of about 15 mph were reported in the area, with gusts of up to 40 mph, a fire official said.