LOS ANGELES – More detailed maps, aerial photographs and inspections are showing that the Saddleridge Fire did more damage than initial estimates.

Authorities now say the blaze damaged 88 structures — up from 58 — and destroyed another 19 as it tore its way across the northern San Fernando Valley from Sylmar to Porter Ranch.

The fire is still – officially – out of control. It has burned through nearly 8,400 acres — about 13 square miles.

It sparked after 9 p.m. Thursday beneath high-voltage Southern California Edison power lines near the corner of Saddle Ridge Road and Yarnell Street in Sylmar. It jumped the 5 Freeway into Granada Hills and spread rapidly along the bottom of foothills coming up against the backyards of homes.

The blaze continued growing into the hills and along the Newhall Pass on Saturday, when it gained another 4,140 acres. But weakening winds, cooler temperatures and higher humidity helped firefighters stem its progress Sunday.

Thousands were forced to evacuate their homes, and one man went into cardiac arrest and died at a hospital. Six firefighters also suffered injuries that were not life-threatening, officials say.

Story Date: October 20, 2019