Santa Clarita Valley, just north of Los Angeles, scrambled as the Buckweed Fire drew near on October 21, driving residents out of their homes and sending firefighters into the nearby mountains.

Nearly 150,000 residents were evacuated while 32 structures were destroyed, according to fire officials.

Produced for California State University Northridge’s Journalism School October 21, 2007. This story aired on channel LA36 in Los Angeles.