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Creek Fire grows to 12,605 acres, containment holds at 5 percent
A resident watches as the Creek Fire burns along a hillside near homes in the Shadow Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles on Dec. 5, 2017.
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Kyle Grillot/AFP/Getty Images
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Ranch hands Angel Flores and Anthony Martin (R) hose down smoldering property near stables where 29 horses were killed by the Creek Fire at Rancho Padilla on Dec. 6, 2017 near Sylmar, California.
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David McNew/Getty Images
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This story is no longer being updated. For the latest on this fire, go here.
Evacuations | School closures | Road closures | Ask us your questions!
The Creek Fire's acreage grew to 12,605 acres in an evening update, but some containment was finally achieved — 5 percent containment, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said at a press conference.
More than 150,000 residents have been evacuated and about five structures have been destroyed or damaged, according to CalFire. There are 2,500 structures threatened as of Wednesday afternoon. Two injuries and no deaths have been reported.
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Evacuations won't be lifted Wednesday night, Garcetti said. The LAPD previously said that the evacuations may last through Thursday afternoon. It was also announced that 265 L.A. Unified schools will be closed for the rest of the week due to the fires.
Weather conditions Thursday indicate high fire danger, L.A. Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas said at a press conference. It is the highest fire index he's seen in his career, Terrazas said.
About 1,600 firefighters are battling the flames and at least five firefighters have been injured, according to the L.A. County Fire Department.
The fire broke out early Tuesday morning at Gold Creek Road and Little Tujunga Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest. Heavy brush and strong winds pushed the flames into Lake View Terrace and Shadow Hills.
Later Tuesday, both Gov. Jerry Brown and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti declared a state of emergency to free up state and federal assistance for the region.
An updated air quality warning was issued Wednesday, citing smoke from both the Creek Fire and the Skirball Fire causing unhealthy air. The affected areas include:
- East San Fernando Valley
- West San Fernando Valley
- Northwest Los Angeles County Coastal areas
- Southwest Los Angeles County Coastal areas
- Surrounding areas
People in those areas, as well as any others where they can see or smell smoke, "to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and to limit physical exertion (whether indoor or outdoor), such as exercise."
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They also warned those who are sensitive due to heart disease, asthma or other respiratory disease should stay indoors as much as possible. That recommendation goes for those throughout L.A. County, but especially in the San Fernando Valley, Lake View Terrace, Sylmar, surrounding areas and coastal areas, including Malibu and Santa Monica. You can read the full release for more information.
In Sylmar, nearly 30 horses were found burned to death — victims of the Creek Fire.
Ranch hands Angel Flores and Anthony Martin (R) hose down smoldering property near stables where 29 horses were killed by the Creek Fire at Rancho Padilla on Dec. 6, 2017 near Sylmar, California.
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David McNew/Getty Images
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The L.A. Fire Department created a map of the mandatory evacuation zone, and evacuation centers. Residents bordering the mandatory evacuation zone are encouraged to prepare to evacuate, according to LAFD. They noted that they are unable to provide fire perimeter maps at this time.
MANDATORY EVACUATIONS
- North of the 210 Freeway from Glenoaks Blvd. to Haines Canyon Ave.
- South of the 210 Freeway, West of Sunland and Stonehurst and North of La Tuna Canyon Rd.
The evacuations include portions of these communities:
- Kagel Canyon
- Lakeview Terrace
- Sunland
- Sylmar
- Pacoima
- Lopez Canyon
- Shadow Hills
EVACUATION CENTERS
Accepting evacuees and pets with owner:
- Sylmar Recreation Center (13109 Borden Ave., Sylmar)
- Branford Recreation Center (13306 Branford Street, Pacoima)
- Stonehurst Recreation Center (9901 Dronefield Ave, Sun Valley)
- Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Recreation Center (14201 Huston Street, Sherman Oaks)
- Balboa Recreation Center (17015 Burbank Blvd, Encino)
- Delano Recreation Center (15100 Erwin St., Van Nuys)
For small animals:
- West Valley Animal Shelter (20655 Plummer St., Chatsworth)
- East Valley Animal Shelter (14409 Vanowen St., Van Nuys)
For large animals:
- Hansen Dam Equestrian Center (11798 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar)
- Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster)
SCHOOL CLOSURES
It was announced that all L.A. Unified schools in the San Fernando Valley would be closed through Friday, and 265 LAUSD and affiliated charter schools will be closed Thursday. You can see the full list at LAUSD.net.
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ROAD CLOSURES
- The 210 Freeway Westbound exits from the 118 Freeway to the 5 Freeway
- 210 Freeway Eastbound exits closed: Osborne Ave., Wheatland Ave., Sunland Blvd., and La Tuna Canyon Rd.
- 210 Freeway Westbound exits closed: From Lowell Ave. to the 118 Freeway.
WHO TO CALL
The Los Angeles County Fire Department has established a phone line to get the latest information at (626) 574-5205.
ASK US YOUR QUESTIONS
KPCC journalists are covering the fires burning across Southern California and are working hard to answer community members' questions. Let us know what you need to know below.
This story has been updated.
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