Saddleridge, LA County

Saddleridge, Saddle Ridge Rd, Sylmar in Los Angeles County. Minimal fire behavior with backing, creeping, and smoldering.

October 20, 2019 at 12:34 PM

As of this morning at 8:00 AM, the Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Angeles National Forest returned to their respective jurisdictions to continue firefighting efforts.

Firefighters continue to negotiate rugged terrain to increase containment lines and address hot spots. Tactical patrols will remain in place to monitor the area for smoldering debris. Low humidity and gusty northerly winds are expected again this evening and “Red Flag Warning” is in effect until 10:00 PM on Sunday,

The public is reminded to please drive cautiously and yield to emergency personnel working in and around the burn area.

The cause of the Saddle Ridge Fire remains under active investigation.

October 17, 2019 at 8:37 AM

Firefighters will work through the day in rugged terrain throughout the burn area to increase containment lines. Tactical patrols will remain in place to monitor the area for smoldering debris. Crews will take advantage of the conditions to make progress and bolster containment lines.

We ask that everyone driving in the area remain cautious of emergency personnel.

The cause of the Saddle Ridge Fire remains under active investigation.

LOCAL ASSISTANCE CENTER: The City of Los Angeles, in partnership with the County of Los Angeles, the State of California and other entities will open a Local Assistance Center (LAC) for residents impacted by the Saddle Ridge Fire. The Local Assistance Center (LAC) will be provided at the Sylmar Recreation Center.

Address: 13109 Borden Avenue, Sylmar, CA 91342
For public LAC questions call 3-1-1 or visit www.emergency.lacity.org
News Media call 213-507-7395
Dates: Thur 10/17/19 – Sat 10/26/19
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM; and Sat-Sun 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
STRUCTURES DAMAGED OR DESTROYED BY FIRE:

19 structures destroyed.
88 structures damaged.

October 15, 2019 at 8:35 AM

Yesterday, SoCalGas crews notified on site fire department officials about an active flame, approximately 4′ x 4′ in the soil, on the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility. SoCalGas assessments so far have shown no indications of damage to the company’s active natural gas infrastructure. There have been no indications of a methane leak that borders the community. The small fire does not pose a risk to public safety and there are no impacts to SoCalGas operations at the facility. SoCalGas, Fire Departments and Public Health are investigating. Further questions can be directed to SoCalGas and Public Health. The cause of the Saddle Ridge Fire remains undetermined. The area of origin has been identified by LAFD Arson Investigators as a 50′ x 70′ area beneath a high voltage transmission tower. There is no evidence of a homeless encampment in the immediate area. In addition to LAFD personnel, there are investigators from Southern California Edison and private insurance companies at the site. Investigators continue to work around the clock in steep terrain, thoroughly examining all aspects of the scene in an attempt to determine a cause. Firefighters continued to take advantage of lower wind speeds, increasing humidity and decreased temperatures. This weather greatly enhanced firefighters’ ability to mop up remaining hot spots. Tactical patrols will continue throughout the day to ensure containment lines remain static and smoldering debris remains isolated from unburned vegetation.

October 14, 2019 at 10:54 PM

Investigators have identified the area of origin

October 14, 2019 at 9:20 AM

Today, firefighters will take advantage of lower wind speeds, increasing humidity and decreased temperatures. This weather will greatly enhance firefighters’ ability to mop up remaining hot spots. Tactical patrols will continue throughout the day to ensure containment lines remain static and smoldering debris remains isolated from unburned vegetation.

RESOURCES: Approximately 1,000 personnel are assigned (across all agencies).

EVACUATION CENTERS: All evacuation centers have been closed.

STRUCTURES DAMAGED OR DESTROYED BY FIRE:

17 structures destroyed.
58 structures damaged.

HIGHWAY CLOSURES OR LANE RESTRICTIONS: For current information on State Highway and Freeway status, refer to Caltrans on-line Quick Map or call (800) 427-ROAD (7623).

ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST CLOSURES:

The Angeles National Forest has closed a section of the forest due to the fire. For additional information: https://go.usa.gov/xVzN5

INJURIES:

One civilian suffered cardiac arrest and died at the hospital.
Three firefighters with minor injuries.

UNIFIED COMMAND: Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).

COOPERATING AGENCIES: CAL FIRE, L.A. Emergency Management Department (EMD), L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP), L.A. Department of Water and Power (DWP), SoCal Gas, California Highway Patrol (CHP), L.A. County Public Health Department, L.A. City Department of Animal Services, American Red Cross, Los Angeles County Public Works, Southern California Edison (SCE).

October 13, 2019 at 9:31 AM

With the arrival of the onshore weather pattern yesterday, firefighters will take advantage of lower wind speeds and directly attack any remaining hot spots. Most crews’ main objective today will be improving and connecting sections of containment line around the perimeter of the fire. They will be utilizing ratardant dropping aircraft to reinforce the areas that are difficult to access due to steep terrain. While containment grows, a damage assessment team will continue to survey destroyed or damaged structures.

October 13, 2019 at 8:52 AM

ALL evacuations related to the Saddle Ridge Fire have been lifted. We thank members of the community for promptly heeding the evacuation orders and their patience as we worked to contain the fire. As you repopulate the previously evacuated areas, we ask you to remain vigilant, and drive cautiously, as there are still public safety personnel working in the area. As a reminder, if you see anything of concern, report it to the authorities, and in case of an emergency, call 911.

October 12, 2019 at 8:43 AM

Active fire behavior with uphill runs, backing and smoldering
Weather and terrain are hindering suppression efforts
Mandatory evacuations are in effect
Area school closures
Continued structure threats
Threat to numerous transmission lines
Evacuation centers have been established
Red Flag Warning in effect until 1800 hrs 10/12/2019

October 11, 2019 at 7:57 PM

Extreme fire behavior with wind driven runs and spotting
Exposures to responders: Steep terrain, hazardous trees, extreme winds, rattlesnakes, bee/wasps and poison oak
Mandatory evacuations are in effect
Area school closures
Threat to numerous transmission lines, communication site, natural gas storage facility, and transportation arteries.
Red Flag Warning in effect until 1800 hrs 10/12/2019

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS: NEW INFORMATION 

• At 5pm,  Los Angeles city residents who are under mandatory evacuation and whose homes are north of the 118 freeway will have the opportunity to be escorted by LAPD personnel to their homes for a 5 minute period to obtain important documents, medication, small pets, etc. The two locations where residents can got to obtain escorts are as follows:
  • 1) The Porter Ranch Towncenter at Porter Ranch & Rinaldi
  • 2) At the Target located at northwest corner of Balboa & San Fernando Mission.
  • 3) Sylmar Recreation Center at the intersection of Borden and Polk.
  • Residents will be escorted to their homes and after 5 minutes will be escorted back out of the evacuation area. Residents wishing to be escorted to their homes must have proof of residence.
• Mandatory evacuation areas south of the 118 freeway will be reopened at 5pm. Community members returning to those areas should remain alert for fire activity. Any fire related emergencies or events should be reported to 911 immediately.
• These evacuation zones remain in effect:
  • Porter Ranch North of 118FY  from Reseda to Iverson
  • Oakridge Estates (north of 210FY)
  • West of Balboa, North of Sesnon to the Ventura County border with DeSoto as the western border

EVACUATION CENTERS: NEW INFORMATION

• People and small pets:
  • OPEN: Lanark Recreation Center (21816 Lanark St)
  • FULL: Sylmar Recreation Center (13109 Borden Ave)
  • OPEN: Northridge Recreation Center (18300 Lemarsh St)
  • FULL: Granada Hills Recreation Center (16730 Chatsworth St)
  • FULL: Mason Park (10,500 Mason Ave)
  • OPEN: Brandford Rec Center (13306 Brandford St)
  • OPEN: Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Rec Center (14201 Huston St)
  • OPEN: Balboa Recreation Center (17015 Burbank Blvd)
• Large Animals:
  • Hansen Dam (11770 Foothill Blvd)
  • Pierce College (6201 Winnetka Ave)
  • If you need help with the evacuation of large animals, contact East Valley Animal Shelter 818-756-9323

STRUCTURES DESTROYED BY FIRE:

• 31 structures destroyed/damaged (13 are 100% loss, 3 are 50% loss, 4 are 25% loss and 11 are 10% loss)

HIGHWAY CLOSURES:

• 2 lanes are now open both NB and SB on the 5 through the Sylmar area (previously closed)
• EB and WB 210 between the 5 and 118
• SB 14 from Hwy 126 to the 5
• NB 405 from the 118 to the 5
• SB and WB 118 from Balboa Bl to DeSoto Av

INJURIES:

• One firefighter with a minor eye injury
• One civilian suffered cardiac arrest and died at the hospital

October 11, 2019 at 12:20 PM LA County has issued evacuation orders for 100k residents in the Sylmar area.

October 11, 2019 at 9:43 AM

• Unified Command Los Angeles City, Los Angeles County, USFS
• Active fire behavior with wind driven runs, flanking, and spotting
• Weather and terrain is hindering suppression efforts4,900+
• Mandatory evacuations are in effect
• I-5 is closed northbound at HWY 118 and southbound at Calgrove Blvd.
• I-405 is closed northbound at HWY 118

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS: Number of homes estimated at 12,700

• Porter Ranch North of 118FY  from Reseda to Iverson
• Oakridge Estates (north of 210FY)
• West of Balboa, North of Sesnon to the Ventura County border with DeSoto as the western border

EVACUATION CENTERS:

• People and small pets:
  • Sylmar Recreation Center (13109 Borden Ave)
  • NEW: Northridge Recreation Center (18300 Lemarsh St)
  • FULL: Granada Hills Recreation Center is now full and not able to accept any more residents.
  • FULL: Mason Park (10,500 Mason Ave)
• Large Animals:
  • Hansen Dam (11770 Foothill Blvd)
  • If you need help with the evacuation of large animals, contact East Valley Animal Shelter 818-756-9323

STRUCTURES DESTROYED BY FIRE:

• At least 25 structures destroyed

INJURIES:

• One firefighter with a minor eye injury
• One civilian suffered cardiac arrest and died at the hospital