The Hurst Fire in Los Angeles’ Sylmar neighborhood prompts urgent evacuations.
A brush fire erupted late Tuesday night in Sylmar, Los Angeles County, forcing immediate evacuations and straining already overburdened firefighting resources. Dubbed the Hurst Fire, it was reported at approximately 10:10 p.m. near the 15900 block of W. Yarnell Street, behind the Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
By early Wednesday morning, the fire had scorched 500 acres and continued spreading rapidly. California Highway Patrol officers described an entire mountainside engulfed in flames.
Mandatory Evacuations and Road Closures
Authorities issued evacuation orders for residents living north of the I-210 Freeway, spanning from Roxford to the I-5/SR-14 Freeway split. The westbound lanes of the 210 Freeway were closed due to heavy smoke, causing significant traffic disruptions.
Sun Valley Fire Adds to the Crisis
Just south of Sylmar, another blaze broke out in Sun Valley, originating from a commercial building and quickly spreading to nearby brush. The Sun Valley fire prompted temporary closures of the I-5 Freeway and evacuation warnings for areas near Woodley/Balboa to Lahey Street and Zelzah Avenue. Residents were urged to prepare for potential evacuation.
Evacuation Center Established
The Ritchie Valens Recreation Center, located at 10736 Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Pacoima, has been designated as an evacuation center for those displaced by the Hurst Fire.
Widespread Wildfire Crisis in Los Angeles County
The Hurst Fire is one of three major wildfires currently raging across Los Angeles County. The Palisades Fire, which exploded to over 2,900 acres early Tuesday, and the Eaton Fire in the Altadena canyons have also triggered evacuations and federal requests for disaster assistance.
Strained Firefighting Resources Amid Windstorm
LAFD resources are stretched thin, with all water-dropping aircraft grounded due to the life-threatening windstorm battering Southern California. The department has called on off-duty firefighters to report for duty to assist in the firefight.
Urgent Call for Preparedness
Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed, heed evacuation orders, and remain prepared as firefighters work tirelessly to contain the fires.
Los Angeles County continues to grapple with the devastating impact of wildfires, as communities face displacement and uncertainty in the face of relentless flames.
