A brush fire that scorched 5,208 acres in dry vegetation alongside the Golden State (5) Freeway in Castaic was 12% contained Thursday, authorities said.
The Route Fire began about noon Wednesday near Lake Hughes Road, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. No structures had been reported damaged as of Wednesday night. A news conference was planned by fire officials at 10 a.m.
Evacuation orders are in effect north of Northlake Hills Elementary School, south of Templin Highway, including the Paradise Ranch Mobile Estates, east of the Golden State Freeway and west of Castaic Lagoon.
Seven county firefighters suffered heat-related injuries while battling the blaze, and five of them were taken to a hospital for treatment, according to the department. All injured firefighters were said to be in good condition Wednesday evening.
Firefighters in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft were dispatched to the scene in hopes of halting the progress of the fast-moving fire.
Shortly after 1 p.m. Wednesday, the northbound freeway was closed at Parker Road, just south of the fire scene, according to the California Highway Patrol. A short time later, flames jumped the northbound freeway lanes and began creeping toward the southbound lanes, prompting a closure of traffic in that direction as well.
All lanes of the northbound Golden State Freeway were reopened at 1:30 a.m. Thursday, and two southbound lanes of the freeway were reopened about three hours afterward, the CHP reported.
Fire officials reported about 5:25 p.m. Wednesday that the fire had grown to 600 acres, prompting authorities to issue evacuations orders. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said residents were advised to evacuate to the north to escape the flames.
The Castaic Regional Sports Complex is closed Thursday because of fires near the area. The sports complex could be closed for the weekend.
San Francisquito Canyon Road between Copper Hill Road in Santa Clarita and Spunky Canyon Road in Green Valley is closed because an overturned big rig is blocking traffic.