Results tagged “sesnonfire”

A smoldering fire was knockedown shortly before 8:30 a.m. this morning in Browns Canyon north of Chatsworth inside the burn area of the Sesnon Fire. The fire was not an immediate threat, Brian Humphrey of the LA Fire Department said, but to make sure it didn't become one, they sent a few engines and helicopters to soak it down. The fire, which was first reported at 7:14 a.m., had no visible flames and was burning under decomposing vegetation such as weeds, leaves, tree roots and branches.

The downed power line that caused the 14,000 acre Sesnon Fire was owned by the Southern California Gas Co., who are not regulated by the state's Public Utilities Commission, at least when it comes to power line regulations, the LA Times finds: "Commission rules require power lines owned by electric utilities to be inspected regularly and to have brush under the lines cleared to prevent fires. But commission spokesman Tom Hall told The Times that the rules don't extend to nonelectric utilities on private land." Looks like it's time to change the law.

Per unified command, the Los Angeles Fire Department announced tonight that the Marek Fire in the northeast valley that scorched 4,824 acres is now fully contained. In addition to one death, the latest and most likely final tally on losses and damages show that 41 homes were destroyed with eight more damaged. Two commercials buildings were lost andanother two were damaged. 22 buildings out buildings were also destroyed.

Although a red flag warning is still in effect through Friday night, the fires that kept the city at bay earlier this week are calming down. The first big blaze, the Marek Fire in the Northeast Valley, is practically contained and controlled after it took 39 homes, 5 outbuildings and one life.

An electrical distribution line that fell onto dry brush in a drainage area of Oat Mountain is being blamed for the Sesnon Fire in a preliminary investigation by investigators from LA County Fire, Sheriff's and CalFire.

The La Jolla Fire, eponymously named after the canyon currently ablaze in Point Mugu State Park north of Malibu, has grown to 32 acres, but firefighters have 50% of the blaze contained, according to the Ventura County Fire Department's webpage. Downed power lines, most likely due to winds, are suspected to be the cause of the Sesnon Fire, according to "sources close to the investigation," per ABC7's Twitter. Additionally, all evacuations for the Marek Fire have been lifted.

After winds began to die down yesterday, the Sesnon Fire somewhat subsided last night as it burned in Simi Valley. Now 20% contained, the latest reported acreage consumed by the fire is 13,285. Around 2,300 firefighters are dedicated to the fire that began in Porter Ranch and spread to Granada Hills, Chatsworth and Simi Valley. "72 structures were damaged or destroyed, all in the Los Angeles City and County areas," the Ventura County Fire Department reports, who has lifted many of the evacuations on their side of the fire.

And this is why smoke related air quality and public health advisories are being issued everyday as the fires continue.

Smoke from the Sesnon and Marek fires continue to affect the San Fernando, Simi and Santa Clarita Valleys, including the immediate areas around fire scorched San Gabriel Mountains. However, the South Coast Air Quality Management District adds a new warning today with the changing winds: "As the winds diminish and shift, additional areas may experience smoke and ash, causing air quality to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or higher." Basically, continue to keep those windows shut and avoid vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion, they say. LA County's Dept. of Public Health recommends that "all individuals wanting to pursue any outdoor activities in areas where smoke, soot, or ash can be seen or there is an odor of smoke" should be avoided.

As of this morning, here's the latest on road closures and public transit routes affected by the Sesnon and Marek Fires (things can change, if they do, they should be updated at (800) 439-2909):

The Sesnon Fire that began in Porter Ranch yesterday morning has spread to Simi Valley totalling 13,285 acres and prompting mandatory evacuations. Mandatory evacuations are in effect for Tapo Canyon north of Lost Canyon, Box Canyon, Lake Manor, Lilac Lane, Santa Susanna Pass Road from the Ventura County line to Box Canyon Road, and Woolsey Canyon, according to the Ventura County Fire Department as of 5:04 p.m. Voluntary evacuations are in Bell Canyon.

If you're traveling into, out of or through areas affected by the Sesnon or Marek Fire, here's the latest as of a 3:15 p.m. update sent out by the Mayor's Office. The more current info is updated at (800) 439-2909. Below are roadway and public transit updates:

Follow LAist's continuing coverage of the wildfires by clicking here

As the Sesnon Fire reached around 10,000 acres, heading into Granada Hills and prompting new evacuations near O'Melvany Park, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa declared a local emergency late this morning. Such declarations can be made when Villaraigosa finds that an event reaches a magnitude beyond the control of the normal services, personnel, equipment and facilities of the departments within the City government, according to the Mayor's Office.

Due to the Marek and Sesnon fires, the South Coast Air Quality Management District is sending out daily advisories. Today, they warn people in the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley and portions of the San Gabriel Mountains near the fires. "Concentrations of fine particulate may reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category or higher in areas impacted by the fires," the advisory says. "As the winds diminish and shift, additional areas may experience smoke and ash, causing air quality to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or higher." As usual, they say that outdoor activity and even indoor activity should be avoided. Bad example: Fox 11 showed a man going for a run, jogging suit and all, in Porter Ranch this morning.

The City of Los Angeles has released these traffic advisories for the two fires.

As people are dealing with the effects of the local wildfires, there are also organizations making sure the four-legged victims are being looked after. Especially since there are so many horses in the fire-stricken neighborhoods.

For updated and continuing coverage, click here to see all related wildfire posts.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's Office sent out a big press release tonight updating traffic, transit, evacuation and school information regarding the Sesnon Fire in the Northwest San Fernando Valley that's mainly affecting the Porter Ranch and Chatsworth neighborhoods and surrounding areas. All the info can be read here.

Captain Henry Rodriguez of LA County Fire told KCAL9 on live TV that at least nineteen structures have burned in the Sesnon Fire that is burning in Porter Ranch, Chatsworth and outlying county areas. Map and more basic info on the Sesnon Fire can be found here.

"Winds are causing fire conditions to change by the hour, which is why it is so important that residents in the areas surrounding these wildfires heed warnings from public safety officials to evacuate," Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said in preface to his emergency proclamation. "It's critical that everyone in the warning areas continue to be prepared-know what you're going to take and be ready to move very quickly if the evacuation order comes in your area. The state is coordinating with federal and local officials to ensure that firefighters have the resources they need, but with such a serious situation on our hands, we need residents to take every precaution to remain safe during this dangerous and difficult time."

Fire Chief, Michael Freeman reportedly told City News Service that there "is a real possibility" the fire could make a run down toward the Pacific Coast with the wind conditions, which are expected to pick up again tonight. At a 4:30 p.m. press conference, LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky said that the fire "can go from [the Valley] to the ocean in a matter of two to three hours... now is the time to get prepared and be alert." Communities threatened by the current movement of the fire could be Hidden Hills, Bell Canyon, Calabasas and Agoura Hills.

Metrolink is using Twitter to update their service. The latest: "Ventura Co. Line to be shut down in the Chatsworth area due to heavy smoke in tunnel area. More details to follow." UPDATE: Metrolink has some bus bridge alternatives, but depending on where you are and where you're going, you'll need to see their specific details.

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.

The Sesnon Fire in Porter Ranch, which has now burned around 2,000 acres, has prompted the following neighborhoods to be under mandatory evacuation: Box Canyon, Woosley Canyon, Bell Canyon, Lake Manor, Brown Canyon, Twin Lakes and Dayton Canyon. Basically, the message is if you're in Porter Ranch or to the West of, leave. For complete coverage, follow our "wildfire" tag by clicking here.

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).

Via LA County Fire | View Larger Map