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By Aila Slisco
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The newest wildfire raging in Los Angeles County, California, is also the smallest, burning around 30 acres at a recreational area in the San Fernando Valley.
Why It Matters
Heavy winds in Southern California helped a series of fires quickly spread out of control on Tuesday, with four separate uncontained blazes burning by Tuesday afternoon. The first one, in Pacific Palisades, was joined by the Eaton Fire near Altadena and the Hurst Fire in Sylmar later on Tuesday. The Woodley Fire joined the trio on Wednesday morning when it ignited in the Sepulveda Basin.
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The fires have forced thousands of residents to flee from their homes and pushed emergency responders to their limits as winds continue to make containment nearly impossible. At least two deaths have been reported in the Eaton Fire, while thousands in the Los Angeles area are without power. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Tuesday.
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What To Know
The Woodley Fire was initially reported as 75 acres burning at Sepulveda Basin early Wednesday morning. Cal Fire stated in its latest incident update at 8:58 a.m. Pacific Time that "Incident Command reports the Woodley Fire is being monitored and has been revised to 30 acres."
"Firefighters are still working diligently to contain the fire and protect structures in the affected area," the update states.
This map from Cal Fire shows the approximate site of the fire at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Area, a park just west of Interstate 405:
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While the fire was still listed at "0 percent containment" due to the winds, local media reports later Wednesday indicated that the blaze, which is far smaller than the other three Los Angeles fires, was considered to be under control.
The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation. Unlike the other fires, no mandatory evacuation orders were issued in association with the Woodley Fire.
Newsweek reached out for comment to Cal Fire via email on Wednesday afternoon.
What People Are Saying
President Joe Biden, during a news conference alongside Newsom in Santa Monica on Wednesday: "We are prepared to do anything and everything for as long as it takes to contain these fires."
Watch Duty, a nonprofit offering real-time monitoring of wildfires and firefighting efforts, in an update: "The Woodley Fire has been declared knocked down & has been revised to 30 acres per Incident Command. Final update unless conditions change."
What Happens Next
The fierce Santa Ana winds driving the spread of the fires were expected to begin weakening later Wednesday, which could make it easier to control the flames.
Overstretched Los Angeles firefighters and emergency workers continue focusing on the evacuation of locals who may be in the path of fires that are expanding.
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