The Sylmar fire is raging 20 miles north of Los Angeles in the Angeles National Forest. Within three hours of the fire being reported, it spread to cover over 1,500 acres and has endangered more than 1,000 homes.CNN.com: Fire Drives More Californians Out of Their Homes (November 15, 2008) Just a few hours later, the flames spread to over 2,500 acres as 60-mph winds helped the fire spread, hopping over the Interstate 210 and 5 freeways. More than 10,000 residents are under mandatory evacuation. Many houses and mobile homes have been damaged, but official numbers have not yet been released.Los Angeles Times: Sylmar Fire Burns 2,500 Acres (November 15, 2008) As of midday Sunday, November 16, the fire was 30-35% contained, and moving away from residential areas toward Angeles National Forest.LAist: Sayre Fire 30% Contained, Moving Towards Angeles National Forest (November 16, 2008)

Arson is suspected in the Angeles National Forest wildfire burning northeast of Los Angeles, California.CBS: Firefighters Gain The Upper Hand On Marek Fire (October 14, 2008) The fire began at approximately 2 a.m. on October 12, 2008, near a shooting range in Little Tujunga Canyon. The blaze quickly scorched several hundred acres, forcing more than a thousand people from their homes.CBS News: Fire Burns 500 Acres Northeast Of L.A.

On Tuesday, October 14, 2008, the fire had burned over 5,300 acres, but was considered to be 70 percent contained. The fire was the first in a series of fires aggravated by the Santa Ana Winds from October 13 to October 15, 2008. In total, the fires have burned over 10,000 acres and claimed at least two lives.CNN: California Fires Force Thousands to Evacuate (October 14, 2008)

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Investigators said they found something "suspicious" near the point where the fire ignited but gave no further details.CBS: Firefighters Gain The Upper Hand On Marek Fire (October 14, 2008)