Agua Dulce fire still burning out of control

The Buckweed fire in northern Los Angeles County has scorched more than 12,500 acres.

The fire is believed to have started by downed power lines in the 11000 block of West Mint Canyon Road in Agua Dulce, said Capt. Henry Rodriguez, spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Structure damage is still being assessed, he said.

"It burned a lot more than we thought it would (overnight) and we're scrambling to respond," said Deputy Fire Chief Glenn Massey. Firefighters are "trying to get out ahead of it with the resources we have."

The fire is racing up nearby canyon corridors, he said, and there is concern that it will eventualy merge with the Ranch Fire in Castaic.

"The wind is taking the fire to the ridge stops, backing up, and coming back, so it's a challenge for our trucks to get up there," Massey said. "This fire has been the number 1 state priority in the state since 7 p.m. last night, and resources from Malibu are already being sent here...With the erratic winds, it's very dangerous for firefighters."

-- From Molly Hennessy-Fiske in Agua Dulce