Ridge Fire Scorches 1,000 Acres, Closing 5 Freeway and Forcing Gorman Evacuations
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Aug 7
Ridge Fire Scorches 1,000 Acres, Closing 5 Freeway and Forcing Gorman Evacuations
3 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Aug 7
Summary
1,000 acres burned within three hours after the Ridge fire ignited near Gorman around 3 p.m., then jumped Interstate 5 and triggered evacuation orders in Gorman and Hungry Valley.
South-to-southeast winds of 6 to 10 mph, gusts up to 15 mph, lower-90s heat and steep brushy terrain drove the fire’s rapid spread in northwestern Los Angeles County.
The 5 Freeway shut in both directions during rush hour; southbound lanes reopened shortly before 7 p.m. and northbound lanes around 9 p.m., after major traffic delays through the Grapevine.
About 230 firefighters, 11 aerial resources and reinforcements from Ventura County, Kern County and Angeles National Forest were deployed, with at least three helicopters staying on overnight.
A smoke advisory remains in effect for parts of northern Los Angeles County until 2 p.m. Saturday, even as cooler evening conditions helped crews begin gaining ground.