The wind-fueled wildfire along Interstate 5 near Grapevine had grown to more than 11,000 acres by early Sunday and was heading south toward the town of Castaic, forcing the evacuations of hundreds of people across the region, according to authorities.
According to Cal Fire, strong winds that raged overnight in Tejon Pass fueled the Post fire, which moved south parallel to Interstate 5. High winds, low humidity and steep terrain continued to hinder firefighting efforts, and the fire was 0% contained as of early Sunday morning.
Evacuation orders were issued from Gorman to just south of Pyramid Lake, and 1,200 campers and other visitors were evacuated from Hungry Valley Park’s off-road vehicle recreation area. Video and photos posted on social media showed campers with ATVs fleeing campgrounds packed with groups celebrating Father’s Day weekend.
“Firefighters are working to establish a firebreak around the fire site. Aircraft are attempting to contain the fire’s progress but visibility is limited,” according to a Cal Fire incident report.
Damage to two buildings was reported, the department said.
Interstate 5 was briefly closed Saturday at Quail Lake and Gorman Post Roads, causing traffic snarls and several reported accidents caused by drivers who stopped to photograph the flames.
The fire broke out around 2 p.m. Saturday and quickly grew to more than 500 acres, threatening properties south and west of I-5. Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel responded quickly, conducting an aerial attack with an aerial tanker and water-dropping helicopter. The Ventura County Fire Department and the U.S. Forest Service are assisting in the blaze. As of late Saturday, 70 fire engines and 300 personnel were battling the blaze.
Temperatures in the mountains are expected to reach above 90 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday before dropping to the low 80s on Sunday. But afternoon wind gusts reaching 50 mph and humidity levels dropping to 15 to 20 percent could cause the fires to spread further, said Carlos Molina, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “It’s going to be a challenge to fight the fires,” Molina said.
Meanwhile, firefighters were battling another large brush fire in San Bernardino County’s Hesperia area, which broke out in the 18000 block of North Highway 173 just after 6 p.m. Saturday.
The fire has led to road closures in the area and evacuation warnings for the nearby Lake Arrowhead Estates community, according to Cal Fire. The wildfire moved east and grew to 1,300 acres by Sunday morning after little activity overnight. Crews are strengthening fire lines around the blaze, which is 7% contained, and are working to clean up the fire area. The cause is under investigation.
The Hesperia fire started as a brush fire south of Ralphs Ranch Road and reportedly crossed the road and burned an auto repair shop, according to authorities.
The two fires come 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.
Los Angeles County Fire Department crews were battling the Post Fire just days after one colleague was killed and another injured while responding to the Quarry Fire in the Antelope Valley.
