A significant brush fire broke out in Sylmar, located in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, on October 18, 2023, marking the third major fire incident in Los Angeles County within a short span. The Sylmar fire, which ignited around 4:30 p.m. in the 15000 block of San Fernando Mission Boulevard, had grown rapidly to encompass over 100 acres by 7 p.m., prompting urgent evacuations in nearby areas. Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) officials reported that strong winds, reaching gusts of up to 35 mph, hindered firefighting efforts. The fire reportedly prompted evacuations for residents residing south of Sayre Street, north of Foothill Boulevard, east of the 5 Freeway, and west of the 405 Freeway. Chief of the LAFD, Kristin Crowley, stated, ‘We have a lot of resources deployed, and our firefighters are working diligently to contain this fire. Safety for everyone is our primary concern.’ Firefighting crews, alongside helicopters and air tankers, were utilized in battle against the flames. As evacuations were enforced, neighboring residents voiced their concerns, with one local resident expressing fear over the rapid spread of the fire and the threat it poses to homes. The fire department has initiated damage assessments and is currently working to mitigate the blaze’s impact, while updates on the fire’s containment are expected. Authorities remain on high alert due to the conditions that could further escalate fire risks in the area.
Massive Brush Fire Erupts in Sylmar, Resulting in Evacuations
