California Wildfires

Firefighters Protect Homes From Grass Fire Burning Near Sylmar Neighborhood

Water-dropping helicopters soared over homes to make runs on the fire in the north San Fernando Valley.

NBC Universal, Inc.

Firefighters protected homes Thursday from a grass fire that cast smoke over the northern San Fernando Valley.

Details about how the fire estimated at about 25 acres started in a field near the 5 and 405 freeways were not immediately available.

The fire broke out in the 15000 block of West Lakeside Street on a day of above normal temperatures. The fire was burning uphill with a moderate rate of spread.

One home appeared to be threatened as wind pushed flames and smoke toward the residence. Video from NewsChopper4 showed a person spraying water toward the fire with a garden hose.

Fuel moisture levels are well below historic averages in parts of Southern California, meaning vegetation is drying out more quickly this year. Dry vegetation is one significant factor in the spread of wildfires.

The state is coming of one of its driest late winters on record, leaving hillsides covered in dry brush.

California continues to face longer wildfire seasons as a direct result of climate change, according to CAL FIRE.

A grass fire burns near homes in Sylmar Thursday June 23, 2022.
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