Wildfire — Los Angeles County Mountains Excluding the Santa Monica Range, California

2008-11-14 to 2008-11-20 · Los Angeles County Mountains Excluding the Santa Monica Range, California

Event narrative

The Sayre Fire burned 11,262 acres of land in the foothills of Los Angeles county near the community of Sylmar. The fire, started under unknown circumstances, was fueled by northeast winds gusting in excess of 60 MPH as well as very dry conditions. The Sayre Fire produced significant property damage. An estimated 487 residences were destroyed with the most significant damage occurring in a mobile home park. Initial property damage estimates are in excess of $3.5 million.

Wider weather episode

An extended period of offshore winds affected Southern California. North to northeast wind gusts in excess of 65 MPH were reported in some areas. The strong winds, combined with very dry conditions, helped fuel two significant wildfires. The Tea Fire, near Montecito in Santa Barbara county, burned 1,940 acres. The Sayre Fire, north of Sylmar in Los Angeles county, burned 11,262 acres. Both fires produced significant loss of residences.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 141550. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.