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Martindale Fire Ignites Near Santa Clarita, 'Forward Progress' Stopped At 300 Acres
Image of the Martindale Fire shared via Twitter by the Los Angeles County Fire Department Air Operations (Courtesy Los Angeles County Fire Department Air Operations)
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Jump to: Evacuations | Closures | Air Quality | Weather Conditions | Additional Resources
The Martindale Fire broke out northeast of Santa Clarita this afternoon, growing to more than 300 acres in less than two hours.
The fire was spreading quickly through medium brush and seemed to be moving to the southeast, through an area which previously burned in the 2007 Buckweed Fire. Good news came at just before 7 p.m. when authorities reported forward progress on the fire had been stopped.
#MartindaleFire update: Forward progress of fire has been stopped at 300 acres.
— SCV Sheriff (@SCVSHERIFF) September 29, 2020
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This fire comes on the heels of a Red Flag Warning that was issued by the National Weather Service in Oxnard over the weekend but is set to expire this afternoon.
Temperatures in the area hovered around the triple digits today, and the area’s been getting hit with wind gusts around 15 mph, with extremely low humidity of around 10%.
Fire officials quickly responded to the fire with multiple aircraft and reported that some L.A. County firefighters from the Bobcat Fire were redirected.
L.A. County Fire Captain Ron Harrelson said with today's Red Flag Warning, crews were in place right away:
"Units are over there, on the ground, and in the air. We've got our water-dropping helicopters, as well as fixed-wing Super Scoopers, and the ability to drop Phos-CHEK [fire retardant]."
Swirling beauty as aircraft swarm the #MartindaleFire. Great response to fire that grew over 200 acres in less than 30 minutes. Appears to be holding at Sierra Pelona Ridge. Structures still at risk. Remember, LA County is under red flag warning for EXTREME fire danger! #ANF pic.twitter.com/jppCdYazB5
— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) September 29, 2020
We will have more on this developing story.
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THE BASICS
- Acreage: 300
- Containment: 0%
- Injuries: none
- Structures destroyed: none
- Structures threatened: 12
- Resources deployed:12 aircraft including 5 air tankers, 2 Super Scoopers, and 3 helicopters.
EVACUATIONS
Mandatory: From Bouquet Reservoir Dam, south to Mile Marker 11.5.
Warning: Mile Marker 11.5 to Texas Canyon Ranger Station
ROAD CLOSURES
- Bouquet Canyon Rd. from Vasquez Canyon north to the reservoir.
AIR QUALITY
- South Coast AQMD reports unhealthy conditions in the San Gabriel Mountains and unhealthy conditions for senstive groups in the Santa Clarita Valley.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
- 101 degrees
- Relative humidity 8%
- Winds easterly, gusting 10-20 mph.
THE BACKGROUND
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The fire broke out shortly before 3 p.m. and rapidly spread to more than 200 acreas. Officials report the origin of the fire as 34577 Bouquet Cyn Rd., northeast of Santa Clarita.
SCENES ON THE GROUND
BRUSH FIRE 9/28/20 @LACoFireAirOps water dropping helicopters are assisting @Angeles_NF @LACoFD with a new wildfire near Bouquet Reservoir north of Santa Clarita, CA. #MartindaleFire pic.twitter.com/hw8VsfUMhx
— LACoFireAirOps (@LACoFireAirOps) September 28, 2020
Update: Currently over 12 aircraft directed in to aerial attack on #MartindaleFire. Includes, 5 airtankers, 2 Super Scoopers, and 3 helicopters. Fire began around 3 pm. Fire continues rapid rate of spread south of Bouquet Canyon. pic.twitter.com/PFP7nVrBWh
— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) September 28, 2020
HOW WE’RE REPORTING ON THIS
Science reporter Jacob Margolis and producer Lita Martinez are reporting on this story, which is developing. We fact check everything and rely only on information from credible sources (think fire, police, government officials and reporters on the ground). Sometimes, initial reports turn out to be wrong or we make a mistake (hey, we’re human!). In all cases, however, we strive for accuracy and will update this story as new details become available.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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For the latest information straight from local emergency officials, check the following websites and social media accounts:
FIRE RESOURCES
- Every Day Is Fire Season. Here's How Angelenos Can Prepare Right Now
- How To Find Out About Fire Evacuations In Your Area
- How To Keep Yourself Safe From Wildfire Smoke
- The Air Is Brown — Should I Wear A Mask?
- This Is Why Fire Officials Don't Want You To Stay And Defend Your Home
- What Does 'Containment' Of A Fire Mean, Exactly?
- What Does A 'Red Flag Warning' Mean, Exactly?
- What To Do — And Not Do — When You Get Home After A Wildfire
- How To Avoid Getting Towed During LA's Red Flag Parking Restrictions
- If You Want To Help Fire Victims, Resist The Urge To Volunteer
YOUR QUESTIONS OR IDEAS
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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