4,625-acre Castaic brush fire forces evacuations, freeway closure

Amid searing triple-digit heat, a brush fire erupted in dry vegetation alongside the Golden State (5) Freeway in Castaic on Wednesday, consuming more than 4,625 acres, injuring several firefighters and forcing multiple evacuations.

The Route Fire was reported about noon near the northbound 5 Freeway near Lake Hughes Road, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Fire officials reported about 5:25 p.m. that the fire had grown to 600 acres, prompting authorities to order evacuations for all residents of the Paradise mobile home park and all structures south of Templin Highway along Upper Ridge Route Road. Additional evacuations were later ordered for all residents and structures north of Lake Hughes Road east of the Golden State Freeway.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said residents were advised to evacuate to the north to escape the flames.

Firefighters in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft were dispatched to the scene in hopes of halting the progress of the fast-moving brush fire.

Shortly after 1 p.m., the northbound 5 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.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department reported no structures had been damaged by the flames by Wednesday night.

Evacuation shelters for displaced residents were opened at West Ranch High School and Frazier Mountain High School located at 700 Falcon Way. The Castaic Animal Shelter was offering safe shelter for pets displaced by the Route Fire.

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.

Updated Aug. 31, 2022, 8:22 p.m.

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