One dead as California wildfire rages out of control

Monday, July 25, 2016, 10:02 AM - A major wildfire on Los Angeles' doorstep is rapidly expanding, and is barely contained after burning 18 structures and possibly killing at least one person.

The Sand Fire in the Santa Clarita area, less than an hour's drive from downtown Los Angeles, sparked late last week. By Sunday night, it had grown to 13,000 hectares, and was still only 10 per cent contained, despite the best efforts of almost 1,600 firefighters.

Aside from California's ongoing drought conditions, firefighters' efforts have been hampered by extreme heat and strong winds.

"This fire, what we've seen in 72 hours, is almost unprecedented,"  Los Angeles County Fire Department Battalion Chief Dennis Cross told NBC Los Angeles. "We'd have to go back a long way to compare a fire to this. And, we're not through with this thing yet."

RELATED: Four terrible effects extreme heat has on society

At least one person has been found dead amid the charred landscape. Firefighters say the man, who has not been identified, was found in a gutted vehicle near a home which had also burned. Authorities say the exact cause of his death is under investigation, telling ABC foul play is not expected.

Despite firefighters' best efforts, 18 homes have burned so far. The L.A. County Fire Department says an evacuation order is in effect, covering 10,000 homes and around 20,000 people. Some 200 commercial buildings are also threatened by the flames.

The wind and the fire's close proximity to Los Angeles mean millions are experiencing skies filled with smoke and ash, and authorities in some areas have issued health warnings.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Sand Fire is one of several burning in the state. One, burning further to the north near Big Sur, threatens some 1,600 homes and was only five per cent contained as of Sunday night. At least six homes in that area have been reported destroyed.

SOURCE: L.A. County Fire Department | CalFire | NBC Los Angeles | ABC