GLENDALE–A wind-swept fire which engulfed areas from La Canada to North Glendale and spread to more than 750 acres continued to burn Thursday–but fire officials said that more than 75 percent of the flames were contained.
Glendale city officials announced Thursday morning that voluntary evacuations were taking place along El Arborito–Glencoe–Menlo–Vista Del Mar–Calafia and Dublin streets. Other street closures include Camino San Rafael–Verdugo between Glendale Community College and Sparr Heights–all surface streets along Verdugo and sporadic closures in Chevy Chase Canyon.
An emergency evacuation center has been set up at Glendale High School.
The fire was initially reported at approximately 9:45 p.m. Wednesday. The fire is believed to have originated in the Cherry Canyon areas of La Canada.
The Glendale City Council held an emergency session Thursday morning to be briefed by fire and police officials regarding the evacuation and containment procedures.
It was reported that some 500 firefighters were on the scene with 100 support units–six helicopters and two "Super Scoopers" which sprayed water on the burning hills and some residential areas as prevention measure.
Fire units from LA County and city–as well as Burbank–Pasadena–Monrovia–Alhambra and Arcadia joined the Glendale Fire Department in fighting the flames.
The 2 freeway was also closed to all traffic.
Hours following the start of the blaze Armenian community centers in Montrose and Glendale were opened to the public seeking refuge from the fire. The St. Mary’s Armenian Church–with its board of trustees and parish priests were also on hand at the church to provide refuge to residents being evacuated.
The information was provided to community via Armenian Cable Television channel 55.
Officials manning the community centers and the church reported that numerous individuals called for information and utilized the facilities after leaving their homes.
The city of Glendale has activated its Emergency Operations Center and urges residents to call (818) 548-4326 for information and updates.