Sylmar: Massive Saddleridge Fire Damages Homes, Prompts Widespread Evacuations

10.10.2019 | 9:00 PM | SYLMAR – A fire dubbed the Saddleridge Fire exploded from 60 to over 1,600 acres prompting widespread evacuations and damaging homes, early Friday morning.

Authorities responded to the reported vegetation fire along the westbound I-210 Freeway near Yarnell Street and Saddle Ridge Road around 9:00 PM.

Crews arriving on scene located several acres of vegetation burning and worked to attack the flames.

Due to strong Santa Ana winds the fire quickly spread, engulfing over 1,600 acres as of 2:30 AM. No containment was reported.

Multiple agencies including water-dropping aircraft were on scene working to battle the blaze.

The fire prompted evacuations to approximately 2,000 residents including all of Porter Ranch and areas of Granada Hills.

About 330 juveniles and staff from the Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall were being relocated due to the fire.

An evacuation center at the Sylmar Recreation Center at 13109 Borden Avenue was open for residents and small pets under evacuation.

Large animals were being accepted at the Hansen Dam Recreation located at 11770 Foothill Boulevard in Lake View Terrace as well as the West Valley Animal Shelter located at 20655 Plummer Street in Chatsworth.

All lanes of the SR-118 Freeway were closed until further notice to accommodate firefighting efforts.

Several structures were reported but a definitive number was not immediately available.

It was unclear if any injuries had been reported.

 

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