Thursday post-fire update: Containment, evacuations, road closures

Lina Portman2 weeks ago

0 2 minutes read

Firefighters are gradually taking over the massive post-fire in the Gorman area north of Los Angeles, increasing containment to 43% on Thursday.

The fire grew slightly to 15,690 acres Wednesday evening and weather conditions are expected to cooperate through Thursday, with temperatures in the 70s and winds decreasing. But temperatures are expected to reach the 90s this weekend, with humidity levels potentially falling into the single digits, below 10%.

Firefighters extended containment lines Tuesday and a warning signal for 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.

Fire evacuations, road closures

The fire, which broke out Saturday, prompted the evacuation of about 1,200 people from the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. Evacuation orders remained in effect there Wednesday, as well as at Pyramid Lake Campground and Oak Flats.

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 following road closures have been put in place:

Interstate 5 northbound at State Route 138;
Vista del Lago Road southbound, at the entrance to the Vista del Lago Visitor Center;
Eastbound, Castaic Lake Drive, at Ridge Route Road.

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

Authorities are officially reporting one injury in the fire, although no details have been released.

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.

“Today, crews will continue to expand and strengthen their lines of control to protect infrastructure and natural resources. Infrastructure protection is underway around Pyramid Lake, including the Pyramid Lake Dam and supporting facilities, as well as Southern California Edison's 500 KV electrical transmission lines,” officials said in their statement. updated Wednesday morning.

“Other assets at risk include state and federal recreation sites, communications sites, U.S. Forest Service fire stations, oil pipelines, private camps and residences along Interstate 5 and several waterways .”

Smoke advisory in effect 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 the Golden State (5) Freeway, Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Craig Little told The City News Service.

Some 1,747 people were involved in fighting the fires.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Fire evacuations, road closures

Smoke advisory in effect for Santa Clarita and Castaic areas

Lina Portman

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