Porter Ranch Fire Burns Downhill Toward Neighborhood (CA)

KNBC News ^ | Monday, October 13, 2008

[yorkie]

Aerial crews responded Monday to a wildfire on a mountain above a Porter Ranch neighborhood.

The fire was reported just before 10:50 a.m. on the top of Oat Mountain. The area is just north of the 118 Freeway near Porter Ranch.

Aerial units were dispatched to the location. Helicopters scooped water from a nearby golf course.

[yorkie]

This fire started less than an hour ago, and is being stoked by the Santa Ana winds. My son and his family live within five miles of Porter Ranch, and along with the Sylmar fire, the smoke is very heavy. Prayers are needed for all in harm's way, including the firefighters and pilots.

[yorkie]

This is an excerpt - please check article for information.

[Red Badger]

Oat Mountain?...............No, Roasted Oat Mountain...........

[yorkie]

Here are some viewer photos - this fire is intense!

http://www.knbc.com/slideshow/sponsors/17702427/detail.html

[Rockitz]

I remember being on my shake roof in Porter Ranch back in 1987? with a garden hose with the air full of smoke. Several homes less than 400 yards from mine burned to the ground. I put concrete shingles on that fall.

[EddieUSA]

Not good. Here in Westlake village wind is really bed. Sky was perfectly blue just 30 min ago, and now, can’t even see the sun because of the smoke...

[yorkie]

Stay safe and remember - smoke inhalation is more dangerous than the fire itself. I am surprised they haven’t evacuated yet.

[BurbankKarl]

There were evacuations started as soon as this thing broke out....dont believe anything you hear on the local stations.

[BurbankKarl]

the Entire Porter Ranch Area is under mandatory evacuation orders, and now LASD is announcing evacs in Lake Manor, Box Canyon and Woolsley Cyn areas.

[tajgirvan]

Prayers dear FRiend!

[BurbankKarl]

Fire has crossed 118 fwy....

[EddieUSA]

Already? I thought it was further north?

[Reagan69]

My sister, (who is Freeper, Mayflower Madam) is packing for an almost certain evacuation from Simi Valley -probably within hours. Her home borders the REagan library.

These fires are frightening.

[yorkie]

It may be close to Northridge Mall, then

[yorkie]

A second fire breaks out near Porter Ranch (video, also)

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=6447071

[BurbankKarl]

Cars lit on fire on the 118 since the CHP failed to close it within the 2 hours they were asked too.

[BurbankKarl]

Ventura County Fire requesting 25 Strike Teams

Ventura County is putting together a firing plan for Smith Rd in Simi Valley.

[BurbankKarl]

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
12:42PM ROLL CORONER FOR 1144, BODY BURNED - NFI
12:36PM CONFIRMED 1144
12:36PM 1039 FIRE
12:34PM VEH FULLY ENGULFED POSS 1144 INSIDE - NEED ADD L UNITS
12:32PM #4 #5 LNS BLKED
12:30PM DUPE INFO WB JEO DE SOTO - O/TURNED VEH ON FIRE
12:28PM 1039 LAFD
12:27PM BLKING SLOW LN
12:27PM TOW TRK VS VEH

[hedgetrimmer]

Prayers for you all. This has been one heck of a fire season, hasn’t it?

[yorkie]

Thank you for the prayers. My son (and family) lives in Northridge, and is seriously considering taking his family south until the smoke subsides.