CASTAIC, Calif. – A fast-moving wildfire ignited along Interstate 5 near the Grapevine on Saturday, quickly spreading towards the town of Castaic by nightfall. The Post fire, as it has been named, has grown to over 4,400 acres by late Saturday, prompting evacuations in the surrounding areas, including Gorman and the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area.
The blaze, moving parallel to I-5, has caused traffic disruptions and accidents as some drivers stopped to photograph the flames. With the fire threatening structures south and west of the interstate, emergency crews from Los Angeles County Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department, and U.S. Forest Service have been deployed to contain the blaze.
Weather conditions are proving challenging for firefighters, with the National Weather Service forecasting strong winds reaching up to 60 mph in the Tejon Pass area where the fire is spreading. The intensity of this year’s fire season, as exacerbated by a wet winter followed by soaring temperatures, has heightened concerns about the potential damage from wildfires.
As the fire continues to spread, evacuation efforts have been underway, with park officials urging over 1,200 people to leave the Hungry Valley area and restricting access to Pyramid Lake. The thick plumes of smoke billowing over I-5 serve as a stark reminder of the urgency to contain the fire before it poses further threats to nearby communities.
The Post fire comes on the heels of a recent tragedy within the County Fire Department, where a firefighter lost his life and another was injured responding to a quarry fire. The ongoing battle against wildfires in California underscores the relentless efforts of emergency responders to protect lives and property in the face of unpredictable and ferocious blazes.
With the fire yet to be contained and winds picking up momentum, firefighting teams are working tirelessly to construct fire lines and prevent the blaze from engulfing more acres. The collaboration between multiple agencies highlights the coordinated response required to combat wildfires and safeguard communities in the increasingly volatile fire season.