Fire Updates: Two New Blazes Erupt in Los Angeles County, Evacuations and Closures Issued
Sylmar Fire
Two fires broke out in Los Angeles County on Tuesday evening, prompting evacuations and highway closures. The Sylmar Fire, also referred to as the Hurst Fire, erupted around 10:10 p.m. near the 5 / 14 split and spread rapidly.
Mandatory Evacuations Issued
After 10:30 p.m., officials issued mandatory evacuation orders for the Sylmar Fire. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the areas under mandatory evacuation are:
* North of the 210 Freeway from Roxford to the Interstate 5 / 14 Freeway split
Evacuation Warning Area
An evacuation warning has also been issued for the following areas:
* 5 Freeway to Woodley/Balboa to Lahey Street to Zelzah Avenue
Fire Details
* Estimated size of the fire: 100 acres (as of 10:30 p.m.), 600 acres (as of midnight)
* Location: Just north of the 210 Freeway, near the 5 / 14 split
Closures and Detours
Caltrans announced the closure of all lanes of the Westbound I-210 at 11:38 p.m. with traffic being diverted off at Roxford Street. The Southbound I-5 connector to eastbound I-210 is also closed.
Tamarack Fire
A separate brush fire, referred to as the Tamarack Fire, broke out in the Sun Valley area along the 5 Freeway near Lankershim Boulevard. The California Highway Patrol incident report log shows that officials shut down the 5 Freeway as crews moved in to work on the flames.
No Acreage or Evacuations Reported
As of 11:30 p.m., no acreage or evacuations have been reported for the Tamarack Fire.
Weather Conditions
The National Weather Service reported the following conditions:
* 20-25% humidity
* North-northeast wind gusting 35 to 50 mph
* 50 to 70 mph wind gusts along the ridgetops just north of the fire
Conclusion
This is a developing story, and we will provide more updates as information becomes available. In the meantime, residents in the affected areas are advised to follow evacuation orders and stay tuned to local authorities for further updates.
FAQs
Q: What are the affected areas for the Sylmar Fire?
A: The mandatory evacuation area is north of the 210 Freeway from Roxford to the Interstate 5 / 14 Freeway split. An evacuation warning has also been issued for the 5 Freeway to Woodley/Balboa to Lahey Street to Zelzah Avenue.
Q: How large is the Sylmar Fire?
A: As of midnight, the fire has reportedly grown to 600 acres. Initially, it was estimated to be 100 acres.
Q: Are there any highway closures or detours?
A: Yes, all lanes of the Westbound I-210 are closed, and traffic is being diverted off at Roxford Street. The Southbound I-5 connector to eastbound I-210 is also closed.
Q: What about the Tamarack Fire?
A: A separate brush fire broke out in the Sun Valley area, but no acreage or evacuations have been reported as of 11:30 p.m.
