SANTA CLARITA (CNS) - The Rye Fire, a 3-day-old wind-driven blaze in Santa Clarita, was 15 percent contained today after destroying at least one structure and scorching 7,000 acres, authorities said.
No injuries were reported, but the fire destroyed one structure and threatened 5,460 others, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
All evacuations and road closures issued as a result of the Rye Fire have been lifted, and the College of the Canyons evacuation site has been deactivated, officials said.
About 775 firefighters from Ventura County and Los Angeles County fire departments were on scene attacking the fire on Wednesday, according to the city of Santa Clarita.
Residents of the Valencia Travel Village RV park at 27946 Henry Mayo Drive in Castaic began returning to their homes after evacuations were lifted Wednesday.
The fire prompted the evacuation of about 5,000 people from about 1,300 homes and the closure of sections of the Golden State (5) Freeway and state Route 126 after it broke out about 9:35 a.m. Tuesday near the 2500 block of Rye Canyon Loop.
The Golden State Freeway was temporarily closed in both directions near state Route 126, but the freeway reopened by mid-afternoon. Rye Canyon Loop was also closed, along with state Route 126 from Copperhill Drive to the Golden State Freeway.
Evacuations were ordered along Rye Canyon Loop, and a mandatory evacuation order was issued for the Westridge housing community. But it was lifted about 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Students at Rancho Pico Junior High School, West Ranch High School and Oak Hills Elementary School in the Westridge area were bused to College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita city officials said.
Authorities reminded residents that the Disaster Distress Helpline, a 24- hour national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for those affected by the fires, is available at (800) 985-5990.
With hot and windy conditions expected for several days, authorities instructed residents to call 911 if they see smoke.
Photo: Christopher McGreevy