Firefighters reinforce containment on 15,600 acres after Gorman fire – NBC Los Angeles

Firefighters have reinforced containment lines around a 15,600-acre wildfire in two Southern California counties, with improving weather conditions expected Tuesday.

The Post Fire, which started Saturday in the northern Los Angeles County community of Gorman near the 5 Freeway, was 24% contained as of Tuesday morning. This is significant progress from Monday morning, when the fire was only 8% contained.

The fire was estimated at more than 15,600 acres as of Tuesday, about the same size as Monday morning.

Winds are expected to decrease Tuesday, but a red flag warning for high-risk fire conditions remains in effect until Tuesday evening. The red flag will remain in effect until 6 p.m. for the Highway 5 corridor due to high winds and low humidity. Wind gusts of 35 to 55 mph were forecast overnight with gusts up to 60 mph, but winds in the area were expected to gradually decrease Tuesday to 25 to 45 mph.

A Red Flag Warning is also in effect in the western San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 corridor.

The Post Fire, the largest currently burning in Southern California, threatened structures after destroying at least one commercial property. About 1,200 people were evacuated from the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area.

Winds were pushing the flames south toward Pyramid Lake, which is closed.

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.

The fire started around 1:45 p.m. Saturday at Ralph's Ranch and Gorman School roads, near Highway 5. A cause has not been determined.

Post-fire smoke and air quality

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a wildfire smoke advisory for the Santa Clarita and Castaic areas. Northwest winds are 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.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has offered the following tips to limit the health impacts of wildfire smoke.

• Limit your exposure by staying indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternative shelter.
• Avoid vigorous physical activity.
• Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole-house fans that bring in outside air.
• Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or fireplace and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, stoves and grills.
• If you must be outdoors, a properly fitted N95 or P100 respirator may offer some protection.