Another brush fire broke out in Los Angeles near the 405 Freeway, close to North Sepulveda Boulevard and Getty Center Drive. Known as the Sepulveda Fire, it began under red flag fire warning conditions. The conditions signal a high risk of wildfires due to strong winds and low humidity.
The fire quickly spread, growing from 10 acres at 11:26 p.m. to 20 acres by 12:23 a.m. Fire crews acted swiftly, and by 1 a.m., they had managed to halt the fire’s progress at 25 acres.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) utilized helicopter water drops and ground crews to tackle the blaze. An evacuation warning was issued for areas south of Casiano Road, north of Moraga Drive, east of Sepulveda Boulevard, and west of Chalon Road.
Traffic disruptions added to the chaos. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued a SigAlert, closing off-ramps at Getty Center Drive in both directions. Northbound traffic on the 405 Freeway slowed as drivers watched the fire, while the Sepulveda Boulevard offramp from the southbound 405 was also shut down.
“We are urging residents in these areas to remain prepared and follow updates,” said LAFD spokeswoman Margaret Stewart.
Firefighting Efforts and Conditions
Firefighting teams worked both from the air and on the ground to contain the fire. Helicopters drew water from the nearby Stone Canyon Reservoir, while ground crews battled flames in the dense brush. The fire was spreading at a moderate pace, which required a coordinated effort.
The weather further complicated the situation. Winds blowing from the north at 8-15 mph, with gusts reaching 25 mph, made containment challenging. The National Weather Service warned that these winds could shift to a northeasterly direction and intensify by daybreak.
Critically low humidity levels, ranging between 3% and 8%, also worsened conditions, making the brush extremely flammable. Despite these challenges, firefighters were able to halt the fire’s forward progress by 1 a.m., limiting it to 25 acres.
Local Impact and Evacuations
As the fire spread, evacuation warnings were issued for the affected neighborhoods. Residents south of Casiano Road, north of Moraga Drive, east of Sepulveda Boulevard, and west of Chalon Road were urged to remain prepared to leave if conditions worsened. Authorities emphasized the importance of staying informed through official updates.

Traffic disruptions caused further headaches for residents and commuters. The Getty Center Drive off-ramps in both directions of the 405 Freeway were closed, along with the Sepulveda Boulevard offramp from the southbound 405. Motorists were advised to avoid the area or take alternate routes.
Collaboration among residents, authorities, and environmental experts is crucial to mitigating the risks of future wildfires. As Margaret Stewart put it, “We are urging residents in these areas to remain prepared and follow updates.”
Connection to Ongoing LA Wildfires
The Sepulveda Fire isn’t an isolated incident. Los Angeles has been grappling with multiple wildfires in recent weeks, including the Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes Fires. The Sepulveda Fire broke out just a mile from the eastern boundary of the area affected by the Palisades Fire, which crews are still working to contain.
The Hughes Fire, which erupted earlier on January 22 about 50 miles north of Los Angeles, has been particularly destructive. Within six hours, it burned through 15 square miles of forest near Lake Castaic, leading to the evacuation of over 50,000 people. The Hughes Fire has compounded the strain on resources already stretched thin by the Eaton and Palisades Fires.
Conclusion
The quick action of firefighting teams in stopping the Sepulveda Fire’s spread to 25 acres is a testament to their dedication and skill. However, this fire is a reminder of the ongoing challenges Los Angeles faces during wildfire season. With red flag warnings still in effect, residents must stay alert and prepared to act.
For those living in wildfire-prone regions, the need for vigilance and preparedness cannot be overstated. By staying informed and supporting fire prevention efforts, we can help protect lives, homes, and the environment.
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