Sylmar Brush Fire Burns 505 Acres: Evacuations Ordered

As of 8 a.m, Wednesday, Cal Fire reported the fire was 505 acres and was 0% contained. Patch will update this story as more details become available.

SYLMAR, CA — A brush fire broke out in the Sylmar area Tuesday night and quickly blackened 500 acres, prompting evacuation orders north of the Foothill (210) Freeway amid wind gusts expected to reach up to 100 mph.

Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters are battling the blaze dubbed the Hurst Fire, which broke out at 15986 Yarnell Street at about 10: p.m. Within minutes the blaze doubled in size eventually reaching 500 acres by 1:30 a.m. driven by 60 mph gusts, according to fire officials. The speed of the fire prompted near-instant evacuation orders.

"The Hurst Fire is spreading rapidly under high winds, creating dangerous conditions for nearby communities," CalFire Warned. "Fire crews are working tirelessly to contain the fire and protect critical infrastructure as it threatens homes and other structures. The combination of dry fuels, strong winds, and low humidity is contributing to aggressive fire behavior, making containment efforts extremely challenging. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow directives from local authorities as the situation evolves."

Sylmar Fire Map: See Hurst Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas

EVACUATION ORDER:

Immediate evacuation orders are in place for north of the Foothill (210) Freeway from Roxford Street to the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) Freeway split, according to an LAFD spokesperson. By midnight the evacuation order had expanded to include the 5 Freeway to Woodley/Balboa to Lahey Street to Zelzah Avenue.

CBS 2 reported CAL Fire has expanded the mandatory evacuation area to west of the Golden State Freeway.

The Foothill Freeway in Sylmar was closed in both directions and the connector to the southbound Golden State Freeway was also closed as of 2 a.m.

Click here for updated Hurst Fire evacuations orders from the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Anyonw in an evacuation warning area is advised to prepare to evacuate, according to the fire department.

"Back the car into the driveway, open garage doors, collected pets into one room so they are easier to gather, and put your “go bag” and other things you want to take with you in the car," the Los Angeles Fire Department warned. "If you are in the evacuation warning area and will need additional time to evacuate, leave now. If you see sparks or embers in your neighborhood or feel threatened by the fire, leave now."

EVACUATION CENTER:

Ritchie Valens Recreation Center (10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima 91331)

The Hurst Fire is one of three major wildfires burning in Los Angeles County amid one of the worst Santa Ana windstorms in more than a decade.

SEE ALSO:

Sylmar Fire Map: See Hurst Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas

Pacific Palisades Fire Burns 2,921 Acres; 10,300 Homes Threatened

Eaton Fire Explodes To 400 Acres Near Altadena

Altadena Fire Map: See Eaton Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas

Palisades Fire Map: See Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY. PLEASE REFRESH THE SCREEN FOR UPDATES.