SYLMAR (CNS) – A wind-driven fire in the Sylmar area, known as the Hurst Fire, has scorched 850 acres as of Wednesday, with no containment reported. The fire, one of several major blazes burning in Southern California amid fierce Santa Ana winds, ignited around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 5900 block of Yarnell Street.
By Wednesday evening, the fire had spread rapidly, growing to 850 acres with no containment, as confirmed by Cal Fire. Mandatory evacuations were issued for areas north of the Foothill (210) Freeway, from Roxford Street to the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) Freeway split. Evacuation warnings were also extended to parts of Santa Clarita, including Calgrove Boulevard, Newhall Pass, Wildwood, and Eternal Valley.
The California Highway Patrol temporarily closed portions of the 210 Freeway between Roxford and the 5 Freeway, while the connector to the southbound Golden State Freeway was also shut down. Evacuation centers were set up at Ritchie Valens Recreation Center in Pacoima, Northridge Park in Northridge, and Sepulveda Recreation Center in Panorama City. A temporary shelter for large animals was also established at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that more than 44,000 people were affected by evacuation orders, with approximately 40,000 structures at risk. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded a Fire Management Assistance Grant to support firefighting efforts.
The fire’s swift expansion amid critical fire conditions highlights the ongoing threat posed by the Santa Ana winds, as crews continue to battle the blaze.