'Coming Home Was Pure Relief,' Says Sand Fire Evacuee

CANYON COUNTRY (CBSLA.com) — A majority of evacuees were allowed to return home Monday night, days after a massive wildfire exploded in the Santa Clarita Valley and neighboring areas.

"It could be a million times worse. I really can't complain," said a Canyon Country resident, whose property was covered in pink, sticky fire retardant.

"Pure relief" was how his daughter described coming home. Thousands of others like them were allowed to return home as of 7 p.m.

Most of the families have been gone since Saturday, staying with friends or at a shelter, and waiting for word.

"The only thing that we had was like reports coming in once a day if our house was still there or not," said another resident. "It was pretty nerve-racking. Just happy to be home."

Some now know they lost gates or patios but everyone in the area, at least, still have a home, and every homeowner expressed gratitude to firefighters.

"I can't thank you enough," said another resident.

A few areas remained under mandatory evacuations, including portions of Soledad Canyon Road, Placerita Canyon Road, and Little Tujunga Canyon Road.

Since erupting Friday, the Sand Fire has destroyed at least 18 homes, and scorched about 55 square miles.