A large brush fire broke out Saturday in Gorman, in northern Los Angeles County, burning at least 4,400 acres and prompting an evacuation order.
The fire was reported about 1:45 p.m. Saturday, burning 500 acres at Ralph’s Ranch and Gorman School roads, near the Golden State (5) Freeway, Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Chris Little told City News Service.
It grew to 2,000 acres by 4:45 p.m., and 4,400 acres by 7:15 p.m.
The blaze was threatening structures, and about 1,200 people were ordered to leave the Hungry Valley park and campground and Gorman areas, Little said.
California Highway Patrol Officer D.C. Williams told KTLA5 that the fire ignited and burned vehicles in a McDonald’s parking lot and several at a nearby auto body shop. He added that wind gusts were causing the fire to repeatedly change directions.
More than 250 firefighters were on the scene, including firefighters from the Angeles National Forest, Kern and Ventura counties.
County firefighters also battled a much smaller brush fire that started about 12:30 p.m. at Sierra Highway and Jonnie Drive in Agua Dulce, he said. Resources were sent to both fires.
The CHP reported at 2:28 p.m. that the flames were no longer advancing. Sierra Highway was reopened in the area.
The Los Angeles Fire Department sent one of its helicopters to aid the county fire department, according to spokesman Brian Humphrey.
Saturday’s high temperature in Gorman was 80 degrees, according to the National Weather Service, but strong winds were forecast for the northern part of the county.