Castaic Fire Closes 5 Freeway
A smoky fire raged around Castaic, California today, clogging the northbound 5 Freeway, the main north-south route. Sara Herrera, who lives in Bakersfield, was driving in Southern California to pick up her mother when the fire broke out. She was unable to continue because of the smoke and had to pull over.
Castaic wildfire has scorched 5,208 acres
A wildfire burning in Los Angeles County has pushed the area near the 5 Freeway into a state of emergency. More than 5,000 acres have been scorched, and fire crews continue to work to suppress the blaze. A portion of the 5 Freeway has reopened, but drivers are urged to exercise caution. Most of the evacuation orders have been lifted, and the fire is now 27% contained.
Map
The Fire Department in California is warning residents in southern California of a major fire. The fire has burned more than 4,600 acres in the Castaic area. It has destroyed two structures and injured seven firefighter. The Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles National Forest are battling the fire. More than a dozen water-dropping aircraft have also been deployed.
Containment
Firefighters in Southern California are continuing to battle a fire that has consumed approximately 4,600 acres. The blaze, called the Route Fire, started Wednesday in southern California. The California Highway Patrol has closed the freeway near Lake Castaic. Residents in the area have been told to evacuate their homes.
Evacuations
The Castaic fire in California has burned about 4,600 acres. The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Department ordered a mandatory evacuation for residents. Old Ridge Route Road was reopened to residents on Thursday, but only with photo ID. Two Red Cross-supported shelters were closed by Thursday afternoon, but the Castaic Animal Shelter was open to evacuees with pets.
Impact on air quality
If you are in the area, you should consider closing your windows and running an air purifier. This smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can affect your cardiovascular and respiratory health. These pollutants cause a host of symptoms, from difficulty breathing to asthma aggravation. They can even lead to premature death for people with heart or lung conditions. The best way to minimize your exposure to PM2.5 is to avoid outdoor activities and exercise indoors.
Planes that dropped water on hot spots
Hundreds of firefighters are battling the burning blaze that started on Wednesday in the hills above Castaic. In the triple-digit heat, the fire is growing at a rapid rate. Firefighters have resorted to dropping water from airplanes on hot spots to help contain it.
Road closures
The Route Fire is threatening homes and properties in the area of Castaic, California. The fire began around noon Wednesday and forced the closure of the northbound I-5 Freeway. The freeway was reopened in part on Thursday. By Friday, all four southbound lanes were open. However, two northbound lanes remained closed between Lake Hughes Road and Templin Highway. Caltrans said the right two lanes would remain closed through the holiday weekend. Maintenance crews will work to repair the burned guardrail, replace signs and retaining walls, and clean up drainage systems.
Health effects
The fire in California has prompted a warning about possible health risks. Residents are being advised to stay indoors, keep their windows closed, and avoid any physical activity.
