Containment increases, spread slows Wednesday

Lina Portman2 weeks ago

0 2 minutes read

Conditions are expected to improve Wednesday, with cooler temperatures and less winds, for fire crews battling a wildfire near Gorman in northern Los Angeles County.

Firefighters extended containment lines around the Post Fire in the Gorman area Tuesday, and the rate of the fire's spread appears to have slowed significantly.

As of late Tuesday afternoon, the fire was 31% contained, compared to 24% early Tuesday morning. The overall size of the fire was estimated at 15,690 acres, up slightly from the morning estimate of 15,611.

A warning signal warning of critical fire conditions expired Tuesday evening, with forecasters saying winds had fallen below advised levels.

“Conditions will improve across the region on Wednesday as winds decrease and minimum humidities tend to increase with the return of overland flow,” according to the National Weather Service.

Evacuations and closures after fire

The fire, which broke out Saturday, prompted the evacuation of about 1,200 people from the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. Wind continued to push the flames south toward Pyramid Lake, which was also closed, and street closures were put in place south of Ralphs Ranch Road at Quail Lake Road.

An evacuation warning was in place for areas south of Pyramid Lake, between Old Ridge Route and the Los Angeles County line, including Paradise Ranch Estates.

One commercial property was destroyed, while ten others were threatened, as well as 50 single-family residences, firefighters said.

The fire is being fought by a unified command that includes the U.S. Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles County Fire Department and Ventura County Fire Department. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California State Park Services, Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management, Cal Fire and the California Highway Patrol also provided support.

Cal Fire officially reported one injury from the fire Monday evening, although no details were released.

Smoke advisory for Santa Clarita and Castaic areas

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a wildfire smoke advisory for the Santa Clarita and Castaic areas, with northwest winds expected to push smoke from the fire southeast toward Santa Clarita, the San Fernando Valley and parts of the Angeles National Forest.

The SCAQMD advised area residents to limit their exposure by staying indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking immediate shelter, avoiding vigorous physical activity, and running their air conditioners or air purifiers. air.

“It is best to avoid using swamp coolers or whole-house fans that bring in outside air,” the agency said. “Residents should also avoid burning wood in their fireplace or fireplace. And, if they absolutely must be outside, a well-fitted N95 mask or P100 respirator can offer some protection.

The fire started around 1:45 p.m. Saturday at Ralph's Ranch and Gorman School roads near Interstate 5, Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Craig Little told City News Service .

The cause of the fire was under investigation. California Highway Patrol Officer DC Williams told KTLA5 the fire ignited and burned vehicles in a McDonald's parking lot and several at a nearby auto body shop. He said gusts of wind caused the fire to change direction repeatedly.

Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and prepare to evacuate if further evacuation orders are issued.

Evacuations and closures after fire

Smoke advisory for Santa Clarita and Castaic areas

Lina Portman

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