Fire crews achieve 47% containment of huge blaze near Gorman

Firefighters were gaining the advantage over the massive Post Fire near Gorman in northern Los Angeles County, reaching 47% containment on Thursday, fire officials said.

The blaze increased from 15,611 to 15,690 acres Wednesday night, though weather conditions were expected to aid firefighting through Thursday, with temperatures in the low 70s and less winds. However, temperatures were expected to increase to the 90s this weekend with humidity possibly dropping below 10%.

Firefighters were able to steadily extend containment lines Tuesday, and a weather warning for critical fire conditions expired Tuesday evening, with forecasters adding that winds had lessened to below advisory levels and more humidity in the air would also help firefighters.

The fire started Saturday and forced the evacuation of about 1,200 people from the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area, according to fire officials. On Wednesday evacuation orders were still in effect there and at Pyramid Lake and Oak Flats Campground.

Authorities issued an evacuation warning for areas of south of Pyramid Lake between Old Ridge Route and the LA County line, including Paradise Ranch Estates.

These roads were closed because of the fire:

• Northbound Interstate 5 at state Route 138;

• Southbound Vista del Lago Road at the entrance to the Vista del Lago Visitors Center; and

• Eastbound Castaic Lake Drive at Ridge Route Road.

One commercial property has been destroyed, while 10 were being threatened, along with 50 single-family residences, according to fire officials.

Authorities reported one fire-related injury, but no details were released.

Agencies in addition to the LA County Fire Department battling the blaze include the U.S. Forest Service, Angeles National Forest and the Ventura County Fire Department. The LA County Sheriff’s Department, California State Park Services, LA County Office of Emergency Management, Cal Fire and the California Highway Patrol also provided support.

A total of 1,747 staff members were involved in the firefight.

“Today, crews will continue extending and reinforcing their control lines to protect infrastructure and natural resources,” fire officials said in an update released Wednesday morning. “Infrastructure protection is ongoing around Pyramid Lake, including Pyramid Lake Dam and support facilities, as well as Southern California Edison electrical 500KV transmission lines.”

Officials cautioned about the fire’s threat to nearby state and federal recreation areas, communication sites, U.S. Forest Service fire stations, oil pipelines, private camps and residences along the 5 Freeway and several waterways.

Air quality regulators issued a wildfire smoke advisory for the Santa Clarita and Castaic areas, expecting northwesterly winds to move the fire’s smoke southeast toward Santa Clarita, the San Fernando Valley and areas of the Angeles National Forest.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District advised people in the area to reduce exposure to unhealthy air by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed. Seeking immediate shelter, avoiding vigorous physical activity and running air conditioners or air purifiers are additional measures.

“It’s best to avoid using swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air,” according to the SCAQMD. “Residents should also avoid burning wood in their fireplaces or firepits. And, if they absolutely must be outside, a properly fit N95 mask or P100 respirator may provide some protection.”

The Post Fire broke out at about 1:45 p.m. Saturday at Ralph’s Ranch and Gorman School roads, near the Golden State (5) Freeway, LA County Fire Department spokesman Craig Little told City News Service.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Updated June 22, 2024, 11:18 a.m.

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