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Crews battle Route Fire burning near Castaic; 98% contained

Route Fire burning near Castaic grows to 5,100 acres 02:05

Crews are battling a brush fire along the 5 Freeway at Lake Hughes Road near Castaic. 

The Route Fire, which began around noon Wednesday was mapped at 5,208 acres as of Thursday morning, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, but the blaze was 98% contained as of Monday, with crews spending most of the day mopping up hotspots and increasing containment, according to the LA County Fire Department. 

Around 250 firefighters with Los Angeles County Fire Department were on hand to assist in battling the blaze, along with 115 U.S. Forest Services firefighters and more than a dozen different water-dropping aircraft, including eight tankers and seven helicopters. 

The flames were assisted by a "pretty strong southwest wind pushing the fire," which pushed it over I-5 and further north into heavier fuels, which contributed to the heavy smoke, according to Los Angeles County Fire Deputy Chief Tom Ewald.

Three night-vision enabled helicopters, each capable of dropping up to 3,000 gallons, were expected to work through the night and continue making fire retardant drops to reinforce lines already dropped by aircraft earlier Wednesday.

One home along Ridge Route was destroyed overnight, and a separate outbuilding in a different location was damaged, Angeles National Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia said Thursday.

I-5 Freeway was severely impacted by the firefighting effort, as traffic heading in both directions was completely blocked. Southbound lanes were stopped at Vista Del Lago, while northbound traffic was stopped at Lake Hughes Road. The northbound lanes were reopened early Thursday morning, and two southbound lanes were opened up to traffic through the area.

Northlake Hills Elementary School staff and students were told to shelter in place until they were evacuated by deputies with the Santa Clarita Valley station at 5 p.m.

At around 4 p.m., mandatory evacuation orders were issued for residents of Paradise Ranch Mobile Estates and those south of Templin Highway along Upper Ridge Route Road. By 10 a.m. Thursday, the evacuations were lifted for Paradise Ranch Mobile Estates.

Additional evacuations were ordered for all structures north of Lake Hughes Road, and east of the 5 Freeway at around 6:30 p.m. 

Orders were lifted at 8:50 p.m. for structures north of Lake Hughes Road, east of I-5, west of Castaic Lagoon, and south of Northlake Hills Elementary School.

At a mid-morning briefing Thursday, officials said evacuation orders that were issued Wednesday afternoon for the Paradise Ranch Mobile Home park in the Gorman area were being lifted.

And early Thursday afternoon, the evacuations of homes along Ridge Route Road were also lifted, while Old Ridge Route Road was reopened between Templin Highway and Northlake Hills Elementary School for "residential traffic only," the sheriff's department reported. Residents were advised to have their ID ready to show officials.

Eight firefighters were injured as they battled the wildfire, six of which were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment of minor heat-related injuries, according to LA County Fire Captain Sheila Kelliher Berkoh.

According to authorities, all eight firefighters have been released from the hospital and are said to be doing well.

fire-castaic.jpg
A view of the smoke rising from the 160+ acre Route Fire burning in Castaic. CBSLA

Evacuation centers were available for those impacted by the wildfire at Frazier Mountain High School, located on 700 Falcon Way in Lebec.

Pet owners were also able to leave their pets at Castaic Animal Shelter on 31044 North Charlie Canyon Road.

Angeles National Forest Service Battalion Chief and PIO Seneca Smith said Southern Californians should be extremely aware of their actions as extremely high fire conditions, paired with a persisting heat wave, increase the likelihood for wildfires. 

"With this heat wave, it's very hot and dry. We saw how quickly a small ignition can ignite and spread very rapidly," she said. "The Angeles National Forest moved from 'high' to 'very high' fire danger about two weeks ago, and there's good reason for that. So, just be very, very cognizant if you're out there recreating, traveling, using the public lands, be very, very mindful of your actions and the potential for ignition to unfortunately get to this level."

Deputy Chief Ewald echoed the sentiment, warning that "this is probably not the only fire we're going to see in LA County over the next week or so," as the sweltering heat wave is expected to continue through Labor Day Weekend.

An investigation is continuing into the cause of the blaze.

Firefighters are also battling the Gulch Fire, burning in the Angeles National Forest near San Gabriel Dam, which had burned over 100 acres since ignition on Tuesday afternoon. 

 

Crews report 87% containment

As firefighters continued to battle the massive 5,208-acre Route Fire in Castaic, as well as the triple digit temperatures scorching the area over the weekend, they reported considerable progress Saturday evening with 87% containment. 

By KCAL News Staff
 

71% Containment

As of Saturday at 2:05 p.m., the Route Fire was 71% contained, with firefighters battling punishing triple-digit heat along with the flames.

By Danielle Radin
 

Traffic Alert from Caltrans

The right two lanes of the northbound I-5 are closed near the Route Fire in Castaic. Caltrans said expect a 90 min delay in the area and use the 101 or 14 Freeways instead.

By Danielle Radin
 

Castaic Lake closed until further notice

Castaic Lak Amid searing triple-digit heat, a brush fire eruptedtoday in dry vegetation alongside the Golden State (5) Freeway in Castaic, withthe flames quickly consuming more than 165 acres.Two Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters su
Castaic, CA - August 31: Helicopters fill with water at the Castaic Lake State Recreation Area on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, in Castaic, CA. Amid searing triple-digit heat, a brush fire eruptedtoday in dry vegetation alongside the Golden State 5) Freeway in Castaic, withthe flames quickly consuming more than 165 acres.Two Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters suffered minor heat-related injuries while battling the blaze and were taken to hospital/treatment, according to the department

Castaic Lake, popular for boating, fishing, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, kayaking, and sailing, will be closed until further notice due to the Route Fire. 

By KCAL News Staff
 

5 Freeway fully reopened

All lanes of the 5 Freeway are now open past the Route Fire in Castaic, according to the CHP. The wildfire had jumped the freeway when it erupted on Wednesday, prompting a full shutdown for nearly 10 hours.

Photos of the Route fire near Lake Castaic
LAKE CASTAIC, CALIF. - SEP. 1, 2022. Motor traffic streams north on Interstate 5 through the burn zone of the Route fire near Lake Castaic on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Luis Sinco
By KCAL News Staff
 

All evacuation orders lifted

Residents affected by the Route Fire can now return to their homes after the Los Angeles County Fire Department lifted all evacuation orders.

Authorities have reopened Ridge Route Road to residents, however, those driving through the area will need to show their IDs to prove they live there.

Parts of the I-5 Freeway at Lake Hughes Road and Templin have reopened but two lanes on each side still remain closed.

Firefighters have contained 27% of the blaze but it is still uncertain when they will be able to fully extinguish the flames. So far, the wildfire has burned 5,208 acres near Castaic. 

Out of the 550 structures threatened by the fire only two were destroyed. The multi-agency effort pulled in 512 firefighters manning 58 engines, eight helicopters and two planes.

For now, crews are trying to hold the fire West of Castaic Lake, East of Palumas Canyon, South of Fall Creek and North of Lake Hughes Road.

By Matthew Rodriguez
 

Firefighters report 27% containment

After an all-day attack on the remaining flames, firefighters announced an increase in containment at around 7:30 p.m. — up to 27%. 

However, late night winds with gusts reaching up to 30-40 miles per hour could increase the growth of the fire. So, crews will remain on scene to address any hot spots that may linger. 

By KCAL News Staff
 

Northlake Hills Elementary School closed for the rest of the week

The Castaic Union School District is keeping Northlake Hills Elementary School closed after smoke from the Route Fire filled several classrooms and offices. 

Superintendent Steve Doyle hopes to reopen the school after the Labor Day weekend.

"We do apologize and recognize that this does create difficulty for many of you," he said in a statement. "Our priority is to work diligently to get the school ready for Tuesday.  We ask for kindness and compassion with each other in these trying times."

While the school was spared from the flames, smoke permeated through the walls of the buildings, leaving a strong odor. 

Doyle said a company was hired to reduce the odor and have students return to school Tuesday. 

The Route Fire has burned over 5,200 acres and crews have contained 12% of it. 

On Wednesday and Thursday nights, fire crews stayed on campus to protect the school from any flare-ups. 

By Matthew Rodriguez
 

Injured firefighters have been released from hospital

According to authorities, all eight firefighters have been released from the hospital and are said to be doing well.

By Madeline Spear
 

Some evacuations lifted

Authorities have lifted evacuations for the Paradise Ranch Mobile Estates.

By Madeline Spear
 

Officials to give update on the Route Fire

According to the LA County Fire Department, the acres burned by the Route Fire is now at 5,208, with 12% containment. A news conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. for a more detailed update.

By KCAL News Staff
 

Route Fire grows overnight

Fire officials say the Route Fire grew to 5,100 acres overnight.

However, firefighters have been able to make progress against the wildfire, which shut down both sides of the 5 Freeway Wednesday evening. All northbound lanes were reopened at about 1 a.m. On the southbound side, two lanes are open starting at Vista Del Lago.

snapshot-92.jpg
(credit: CBS)
By KCAL News Staff
 

Evacuation orders lifted for some

Evacuation orders have been lifted for structures in several locations previously under mandatory evacuation, including: 

  • north of Lake Hughes Road and east of I-5 Freeway,
  • west of Castaic Lagoon
  • south of Northlake Hills Elementary School.
By KCAL News Staff
 

Evacuation centers available

Red Cross Los Angeles opened evacuation centers for residents impacted by the Route Fire at Frazier Mountain High School, 700 Falcon Way in Lebec, and West Ranch High School, 262155 West Valencia Blvd. in Stevensen Ranch.

Additionally, pet owners without a place to keep their pets safe could leave them with Castaic Animal Shelter on 31044 North Charlie Canyon Road.

By KCAL News Staff
 

Route Fire burns 4,625 acres

According to fire officials, the Route Fire near Castaic has burned 4,625 acres. 

At 5:35 p.m., it had burned 600 acres. 

Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for:

  • Residents of Paradise Ranch Mobile Estates and those south of Templin Highway along Upper Ridge Route Road.
  • People north of Lake Hughes Road and east of the Golden Station (5) Freeway.

Seven firefighters battling the blaze have suffered heat-related injuries, six of whom have been hospitalized. 

By Matthew Rodriguez
 

Additional evacuations ordered

Evacuations have now been ordered for structures north of Lake Hughes Road and east of the Golden Station (5) Freeway as the wildfire continues to rage. 

By KCAL News Staff
 

Fire erupts to 600 acres

The Route Fire continues to burn in Castaic, now reaching up to 600 acres of burned land. 

By KCAL News Staff
 

Firefighters stave off flames approaching homes

Sky2 was over the scene as crews were able to prevent the flames from consuming two large homes in the area.

Firefighters save two homes from Route Fire 01:30
By KCAL News Staff
 

Eight firefighters injured; six hospitalized

As the Route Fire in Castaic continues to grow, firefighters report that eight of their crew members have sustained heat-related injuries as they attempt to battle the wildfire. 

Six were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. 

By KCAL News Staff
 

Northlake Elementary School evacuated

Deputies with LASD's Santa Clarita Valley station assist in evacuating 10 remaining staff members and students from Northlake Elementary School as Route Fire continues to burn in Castaic.

By KCAL News Staff
 

Helicopters drop water onto Route Fire

Helicopters dropped water onto the rapidly expanding Route Fire as it approaches more homes. 

Chinook helicopter makes water drops in Route Fire 00:23

Firefighters were able to save at least one home that was once surrounded by flames.

Aircrews drop water on Route Fire in Castaic 00:35
By Matthew Rodriguez
 

Fire burning near homes

The growing fire has continued to approach several structures in Castaic, overtaking two properties as crews attempt to fight off the flames encroaching the homes.

Route Fire threatens home in Castaic 03:39
By KCAL News Staff
 

Mandatory evacuations ordered

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for residents of Paradise Ranch Mobile Estates and those south of Templin Highway along Upper Ridge Route Road. 

Mandatory evacuations issued for Route Fire in Castaic 05:59
By KCAL News Staff
 

Paintball park destroyed by flames

Warped Paintball Park, located on Ridge Route Road in Castaic has been destroyed by the fire. 

Photos from Sky2, over the scene of the blaze, showed the destruction. 

screenshot-78.png
Warped Paintball Park CBSLA
By KCAL News Staff
 

I-5 remains closed in both directions as fire grows

Traffic on both sides of the I-5 Freeway is completely stopped due to the firefighting effort in Castaic. Southbound lanes have been stopped at Vista Del Lago, while northbound traffic is stopped at Lake Hughes Road. 

"A truckers worst nightmare": Castaic fire causes huge traffic issues on the 5 freeway 01:35

Drivers are strongly urged to consider alternate routes.

By KCAL News Staff
 

Two firefighters hospitalized; fire grows to over 160 acres

2 firefighters transported to hospital in Route Fire 00:50

The Route Fire is now estimated to have grown to 162 acres of brush. 

Los Angeles County Fire Department reported that two firefighters have been taken to nearby hospitals due to heat-related injuries, though they are not considered to be serious. 

By KCAL News Staff
 

1 person hospitalized

One person has been taken to a local area hospital. 

By Madeline Spear
 

5 Freeway close in both directions

The 5 Freeway is now being shut down in both directions.

By Madeline Spear
 

Traffic alert

According to CHP, the fire is affecting the northbound side of the 5 Freeway at Lake Hughes.

By Madeline Spear
 

LAFD calls Route Fire a 2nd alarm fire

The Route Fire was balanced to a 2nd alarm fire at approximately 12:32 p.m. 

By Madeline Spear
 

School told to shelter in place

Northlake Hills Elementary School staff and students have been told to shelter in place, but there were no reports of any evacuations.

By Madeline Spear
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