SANTA CLARITA - (INT) - The fast-moving Sand Fire continues to rage across drought-ravaged terrain in the Santa Clarita area, scorching more than 33,000 acres and destroying at least 18 homes while forcing thousands of residents from their homes.

About 10,000 homes -- occupied by an estimated 20,000 residents -- have been evacuated since the fire broke out on Friday near Sand Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, along the northbound Antelope Valley (14) Freeway, sheriff's Capt. Roosevelt Johnson told reporters.

The badly burned body of an unidentified man was found in a car parked in the driveway of a house in the 26700 block of Iron Canyon Road. An autopsy may determine the circumstances of the death.

At last report, containment of the fire was listed at 10 percent, and the acreage was listed at 33,117 -- more than 51 square miles, said county fire Chief Daryl Osby.

The cause is under investigation. (Source: TWC)

As fire fighting costs soar, FEMA has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California to combat the Sand Fire.

Story Date: July 26, 2016