The fast-spreading wildfire along Interstate 5 near Grapevine has grown to more than 3,600 acres and forced evacuations from areas near Gorman, Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation Area and Pyramid Lake.
Interstate 5 was closed at Quail Lake and Gorman Post Roads as of Saturday evening, causing heavy traffic, and several accidents were reported from drivers who stopped to photograph the flames.
The blaze, named the Post Fire, began around 2 p.m. Saturday and quickly grew to more than 500 acres, threatening properties south and west of Interstate 5. Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel responded quickly, conducting an aerial attack with air tankers and water-dropping helicopters to attempt to contain the blaze’s perimeter.
Firefighters face tough conditions: The National Weather Service expects winds to pick up Saturday night, with gusts on the mountain tops reaching 60 mph.
The fire started as a brush fire south of Ralphs Ranch Road and reportedly crossed the road and burned an auto repair shop. Social media feeds showed footage of campers, followed by ATVs, fleeing campgrounds in the area crowded with groups celebrating Father’s Day weekend.
By Saturday evening, thick smoke drifted over the highway. The wildfire was burning south toward Pyramid Lake, and officials reported it was 0% contained Saturday evening.
The blaze comes as experts are trying to gauge the potential severity of this year’s wildfire season. A wet winter fostered thick grass that could provide lots of fuel, but it’s drying out as temperatures rise. Earlier this month, a wind-fueled wildfire burned more than 14,000 acres in San Joaquin County, south of Tracy.
County fire marshals are battling the Post Fire, a day after one colleague was killed and another injured while responding to the Quarry Fire in the Antelope Valley.