Wildfire — Santa Clarita Valley, California

2008-10-13 to 2008-10-18 · Santa Clarita Valley, California

Event narrative

The Sesnon Wildfire burned 14,703 acres of land in the Santa Susana Mountains. Given the proximity of the fire to the urban-wildland fire interface, numerous homes were destroyed in the communities of Poter Ranch, Twin Lakes and Indian Hills. In total, 15 homes were destroyed and 11 severely damaged while 63 outbuildings were destroyed. The total cost to fight the fire was over $12 million.

Wider weather episode

The combination of very hot temperatures, low relative humidity and gusty offshore winds helped to fuel two significant wildfires in Los Angeles county. The Marek Fire burned 4,824 acres in the Angeles National Forest, just north of Glendale. The Sesnon Fire burned 14,703 acres in the Santa Clarita Valley of Los Angeles County, near the community of Porter Ranch. Both wildfires occurred within the urban-wildland fire interface, destroying or damaging numerous homes.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 134071. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.