California is grappling with several wildfires driven by powerful Santa Ana winds, causing widespread evacuations, infrastructure damage, and a continuing state of emergency.
Tens of thousands of homes are expected to be evacuated.
Where In Sylmar Is The Hurst Wildfire?
As of around 5:20 EST, the Hurst fire had engulfed 100 acres near Diamond Road, per the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
Evacuation orders were in place for “LAC-E132-A, LAC-E132-B, LOS-E001, SCL-CALGROVE, SCL-ETERNAL, SCL-NEWHALLPASS, SCL-WILDWOOD.”
CAL FIRE warned that these were rapidly changing, however.
“The Hurst Fire is spreading rapidly under high winds, creating dangerous conditions for nearby communities,” the agency said.
“Fire crews are working tirelessly to contain the fire and protect critical infrastructure as it threatens homes and other structures.”
A Watch Duty map showing the location of the blaze. At least three major wildfires have been reported in California. A Watch Duty map showing the location of the blaze. At least three major wildfires have been reported in California. Watch Duty
A map from Watch Duty, a platform that monitors firefighting efforts in real time, showed the 500-acre fire burning to the north of Sylmar.
Is The Hurst Fire Near The Palisades?
Google Maps shows that the approximate point of origin or the Hurst Fire is around 32 kilometers (approximately 20 miles) from the Pacific Palisades area, where another major wildfire was also burning.
When Did The Hurst Fire Start?
Initially called the Sylmar Fire, the Hurst Fire began at around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday at Yarnell, north of Foothill Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
It soon expanded to over 100 acres, crossed the 210 Freeway, and started spreading into the Angeles National Forest, according to Watch Duty.
Angeles National Forest said on X, formerly Twitter, early Wednesday that the fire was approximately 500 acres.
How Many Wildfires Are There In California Right Now?
At time of writing there were at least three major wildfires reported in California, the Hurst Fire, the Eaton Fire, and the Palisades Fire.
An update from the Los Angeles Fire Department said Tuesday night the Palisades Fire was 2,920 acres and growing.
The Eaton Fire, located on the northern edge of Pasadena, had burned 1,000 acres as of early Wednesday morning, according to CAL FIRE.
What People Are Saying
California Governor Gavin Newsom said on X: “Mutual aid is pouring in from across the state to battle the #PalisadesFire, #EatonFire & #HurstFire.
“Hundreds of additional firefighters are headed south to join 1,400+ boots already on the ground.
“Thank you to our first responders quickly jumping into these firefights.”
What Happens Next
Reports suggest over 30,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate, with more likely if the fires continue to grow.
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