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LOS ANGELES, July 29 (Xinhua) -- The wildfire raging near Los Angeles was 85 percent contained on Friday after scorching more than 38,000 acres in the Santa Clarita area, destroying 18 homes and killing a man, according to the official website incident information system.
About 1,700 firefighters were working to stop the spread of the blaze, which broke out a week ago near Sand Canyon Road in Santa Clarita along the northbound Antelope Valley (14) Freeway.
As of Friday morning, the fire had scorched 38,873 acres (about 157 square km), according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Eighteen homes were destroyed, along with a western town set on the Sable Ranch, a well-known filming location; one structure was damaged; two firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling the flames, and one man was killed after apparently refusing an order to evacuate.
An estimated 20,000 people were evacuated as the fire raged, most evacuation orders were lifted at 7 p.m. Monday, but the orders still remain in effect in some places.
Only residents are allowed back into the areas where evacuations were lifted, so people are asked to show identification.
Air quality could reach unhealthy levels in areas where there is smoke, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Daryl Osby, appearing before the county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, said fire crews have managed to save "thousands of structures."
Osby said crews are still seeing "erratic fire behavior" amid stiff winds, but he said the vegetation fueling the fire was lighter as the blaze moved toward the Agua Dulce area, making it easier for crews to extend containment lines. Enditem
