575-Acre Brush Fire In Castaic Now 60 Percent Contained
CASTAIC (CBSLA.com) — Firefighters Friday were gaining ground on a fast-moving brush fire burning in Castaic.
The fire near the southbound 5 Freeway and Lake Hughes Road broke out around 1:22 p.m.
The fire quickly grew in intensity, prompting the evacuation of 19 homes on Elk Ridge Road and Vista Point Place.
Those residents were allowed to return home by 4:38 p.m.
Ground crews were assisted by a coordinated air support as the blaze scorched 575 acres, authorities said.
As of 8 p.m., the fire was 60 percent contained.
The fire had also prompted the closure of at least one lane of the southbound 5 Freeway just north of Lake Hughes Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Nearby Northlake Hills Elementary School, which has approximately 625 students kindergarten through fifth grade, had been placed on lockdown. The students were eventually allowed to leave the premise.
A spark from a vehicle is being blamed for causing the blaze.
