40-acre fire burning in LA's El Sereno neighborhood

EL SERENO, LOS ANGELES -- A new fire broke out in the El Sereno community northeast of downtown Los Angeles Friday.

The Los Angeles Fire Department says the blaze burned about 40 acres in the area of Soto Hill, near the 2800 block of N. Eastern Avenue. It was first reported at 11:26 a.m.

The blaze was initially reported at 1 acre, but amid windy, dry conditions, the brush fire quickly spread to 40 acres.

There were homes in the area threatened by the blaze, the LAFD said. No injuries were reported. Fire crews worked to get lines around the fire, and helicopters were seen flying over the area.

By 3:30 p.m., crews had surrounded the fire with hand lines, while air crews made water drops to help hit the remaining flames in the heavy brush.

The fire sent heavy smoke into the air. Winds were carrying the smoke, but the gusts were not as powerful as those fanning the Saddleridge Fire in the Porter Ranch area.