The Hurst Fire in Sylmar has necessitated the evacuation of residents from the Oakridge Mobile Home Park.
Michael, a long-standing member of the community, has gathered all his possessions and is prepared to leave, yet he remains in place despite the evacuation directive. He is among the few who have chosen to stay behind.
“Last night around 10 o’clock, the winds were intense, causing the power lines to arc together. They shorted out, producing a bright flash and a slight explosion, and I noticed a small ball of flame at the bottom of the pole,” he recounted to KTLA 5’s Annie Rose Ramos.
Michael noted that he witnessed a similar incident in that very location four to five years ago.
“I was hoping that earlier in the evening, they would cut the power due to the approaching windstorm. Apparently, that did not happen,” he added.
Having experienced such situations previously, Michael informed KTLA 5 that he began organizing his garage on Tuesday afternoon and started packing in earnest around 10 p.m.
In the bed of his pickup truck are cherished items belonging to him and his wife, including guitars, clothing, photographs, and blankets.
Regrettably, he is no stranger to this process.
Michael had resided in the community and “lost everything” during the catastrophic Sayre Fire in November 2008.
He mentioned that he could only escape with his cats and two guitars, but fortunately, he and his family emerged “unscathed.”
Despite past experiences, he has cherished living in this area. He is monitoring the winds closely and is ready to evacuate if absolutely necessary. In the meantime, he remains vigilant near his home.
Fire officials are urging residents to take their evacuation warnings seriously and to evacuate immediately when instructed.
The Hurst Fire was first reported shortly after 10 p.m. on Tuesday and has expanded to 505 acres as of 6:56 a.m. on Wednesday.
Officials have issued mandatory evacuations for the following areas:
Mandatory Evacuation
North of the 210 Freeway from Roxford to the Interstate 5 / 14 Freeway.
Evacuation Alert:
5 Freeway to Woodley/Balboa, continuing to Lahey Street and Zelzah Avenue
Calgrove
Newhall Pass
Wildwood
Eternal Valley
Evacuation Centers
Ritchie Valens Recreation Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331
Northridge Park: 10120 Reseda Blvd., Northridge, CA 91324
Sepulveda Recreation Center: 8825 Kester Ave., Panorama City, CA 91402
Road Closures
Westbound I-210 at Roxford Blvd.
Northbound and Southbound I-5 to Eastbound I-210
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