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'Sayre' Fire Approx. 2600 Acres and Moving Westward
The wildfire that began late last night in Sylmar (13000 Sayre Street) has now grown to be at least 2600 acres, and has destroyed an as-of-yet undetermined number of homes and structures. Many local freeways remain shut down as the firefight continues. Currently there is one civilian who has been reported with major burns, and a few others with minor injuries. Evacuation centers are set up at Sylmar, San Fernando, Kennedy, and Chatsworth High Schools, and there are two major mandatory evacuation areas. Pierce College and the Hansen Dam are able to take in large animals from evacuees. Residents are being urged to gather up important documents, medication, and irreplaceable items such as photo albums and to leave their homes when asked, with the doors and gates unlocked so that firefighters can access the property as needed.
With the arrival of daylight firefighters have been able to increase their attacks on the flames, however today also brings a dangerous Santa Ana wind event to the area which means up to 70 mph gusts are expected to push warm air through the canyons and valleys that are currently already facing the threat of burning.
The Sayre Fire is burning towards the area of last month's Sesnon Fire, which burned across the Porter Ranch area. This may actually be of assistance to firefighters, as they can use firebreaks already in place.
Sayre Fire Information Public Information Line: 1-800-439-2909
AP Photo/Dan Steinberg, taken overnight in Sylmar
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