Those Affected by Saddleridge Fire Can Get Help at Center in Sylmar

An assistance center will open in Sylmar Thursday to help people affected by the Saddleridge Fire that raged through the northern San Fernando Valley and damaged or destroyed more than 100 structures.

The center, operated by city, county and state officials and various nonprofit groups, is designed to be a one-stop source of disaster recovery information.

Among the assistance available will be information on:

-- replacing records lost in the fire;

-- filing insurance claims;

-- applying for disaster assistance;

-- cleaning, repairing and rebuilding property; and

-- available resources for disaster recovery.

The center will be located at the Sylmar Recreation Center, 13109 Borden Ave. It will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.