Wildfires north of Los Angeles spread as evacuation orders issued

GORMAN, Calif. — Evacuation orders were issued Saturday as a wildfire in Los Angeles County spread across thousands of acres near a major highway and posed a threat to nearby properties, authorities said.

The blaze, known as the “Post Fire,” has burned more than 4,400 acres near Interstate 5 in Gorman, about 62 miles northwest of Los Angeles, according to Cal Fire.

According to authorities, the fire started at about 1:45 p.m. Cal Fire’s website reported that the fire was at zero percent contained as of 10:48 p.m., and no casualties were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The California State Parks Department reported evacuating 1,200 people from Hungry Valley Park.

Recommendation

Evacuation warnings were issued for areas south of Pyramid Lake, including Paradise Ranch Estates, and residents were told to prepare to evacuate, Cal Fire said.

“Crews are currently working to establish a firebreak around the area of the fire,” the update said. “Aircraft are working to contain the fire’s progress but visibility is limited.”

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory and warned residents of Castaic and Santa Clarita to avoid physical activity, stay indoors and use air purifiers or turn on their air conditioners.