Sylmar in Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Sayre Fire
November 14-20, 2008
Photographed by Craig Baker, January 11, 2019
1. Sayre Fire Marker
On November 14, 2008, the Sayre (or Sylmar) Fire, a wind-driven fire, quickly moved through the hillside brush into residential areas above the 210 freeway and west of the 5 freeway. The fire was contained on November 20, 2008 after burning 11,262 acres and damaging or destroying more than 600 structures. The major devastation occurred here at Oakridge where the fire destroyed 476 homes, damaged 12 homes beyond repair, and destroyed the 15,000 square foot clubhouse. The number of homes lost in the Sayre Fire exceeded the prior record in the City of Los Angeles, which had been set by the 1961 Bel Air fire that resulted in the loss of 484 homes. This plaque commemorates the extraordinary resolve and cooperation of Oakridge residents who helped fire fighters and law enforcement officers evacuate all Oakridge residents without any loss of lives. The residents also displayed great resilience and neighborliness in helping each other, with the help of federal, state, county, city and non-profit agencies, to begin the process of building their lives and their homes. As a result, the first Oakridge resident returned with a rebuilt home to Oakridge on August 26, 2009.
Dedicated To Oakridge Residents Past, Present and Future.
Erected 2010 by City of Los Angeles Councilmember Richard
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical month for this entry is November 2008.
Location. 34° 19.559′ N, 118° 28.024′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Sylmar. It can be reached from Glenoaks Boulevard north of Foothill Boulevard. Located behind the clubhouse of a gated community; access only with permission. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15455 Glenoaks Blvd, Sylmar CA 91342, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s The Valley the San Fernando Valley and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Rim of the Valley Trail (approx. half a mile away); The San Fernando Pioneer Memorial Cemetery (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Cascades (approx. 1.7 miles away); "The Cascades" (approx. 1.8 miles away); Los Angeles Aqueduct Filtration Plant (approx. 1.8 miles away); Kramer House (approx. 2.4 miles away); Mission Wells (approx. 2½ miles away); Rogerio Rocha (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.
Regarding Sayre Fire. The Sayre Fire was named for the location of its origin, near the north end of Sayre Street.
Sylmar is the northernmost community in the City of Los Angeles. The name is a fusion of the Latin words for Sea of Trees.
The Sayre Fire was declared a Federal Disaster
Photographed by Craig Baker, January 11, 2019
2. Sayre Fire Marker
For five days after the fire, this contributor (CB) volunteered with the Red Cross at Oakridge, providing hot meals to those dealing with the loss of their homes.
Additional keywords. Sylmar Fire
Photographed by Craig Baker, January 11, 2019
3. Clubhouse / Community Center
November 2008
4. Fire Damage at Oakridge - 2008
Credits. This page was last revised on March 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 9,302 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 11, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on June 28, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
