With the air and traffic, this was bound to happen. From CSUN's press office: "Cal State Northridge officials have cancelled afternoon and evening classes for Monday, Oct. 13, because of concerns about air quality and freeway closures due to the fires in the northeast San Fernando Valley. University offices, the library and bookstore will remain open." For complete coverage, follow our "wildfire" tag by clicking here. more ›

Officials at a press conference say that many of the fires igniting across the region, including the original Marek/Little Tujunga Fire, look suspicious and are still under investigation. Fire and police are asking for any suspicious activity to be reported to police (license plate numbers are especially helpful). more ›

In a press conference shortly before noon, Mayor Villaraigosa announced that at least one person has died in the Marek/Little Tujunga Fire within city limits. An LAPD official said the victim appears to be a transient adult male in a makeshift wooden and cardboard structure. He was found near the intersection of Paxton and Foothill with a dog, presumed to be his pet. Additionally, Villaraigosa said "we haven't lost a structure in the city to wildfire in almost a decade." For complete coverage, follow our "wildfire" tag by clicking here. more ›

Valley, southwest Riverside County, Orange County. A smoke advisory is in effect for the San Fernando Valley and portions of the San Gabriel Mountains near the Marek/Little Tujunga Fire. The AQMD suggests that vigorous outdoor and indoor activity should be avoided and people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should stay inside with windows and doors shut. more ›

As the Marek/Little Tujunga Fire expanded to 3,200 acres last night, 1200 residents are now evacuated. The Los Angeles Fire Department launched this map showing the evacuated areas within city limits. Additionally the 210 Freeway is closed between the 118 and 5 freeways as well as four schools. A count of structures burned is unknown at this time, but one LA County Inspector told the LA Times that he could see buildings in a mobile home park and industrial structures burning from a distance. more ›

As the Marek Wildland/Little Tujunga Fire continues to burn (now up to 3,200 acres with 20% contained), the Los Angeles Fire Department initiated red flag parking for narrow streets in hillside areas where it is difficult to get a fire truck through (this is what a red flag parking sign looks like). It is in effect until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 14 or until further notice. Red flag parking days are independently called by the city during red flag warnings that are issued by the National Weather Service and other agencies when low humidity, high winds and temperature are a perfect mix for fire ignite and to sustain itself. more ›

Via LA County Fire | View Larger Map more ›