Wildfire burning north of Los Angeles spreads as evacuation orders issued

GORMAN, Calif. — Authorities issued evacuation orders Saturday as a wildfire in Los Angeles County spread thousands of acres close to a major highway and threatened nearby structures, officials said.

The blaze that is being called the Post Fire burned more than 4,400 acres near the Interstate 5 freeway in Gorman, which is about 62 miles northwest of Los Angeles, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire.

The flames broke out at around 1:45 p.m., authorities said. The blaze was zero percent contained as of a 10:48 p.m. update on Cal Fire's website, which stated no casualties had been reported. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Firefighters work against the advancing Post Fire on Saturday, June 15, 2024, in Gorman, Calif. Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP

California State Park Services evacuated 1,200 people from Hungry Valley Park, the update said.

Evacuation warnings have been issued for areas south of Pyramid Lake, including the Paradise Ranch Estates, and residents there have been told to be prepared to leave, according to Cal Fire.

"Currently crews are working to construct perimeter fire lines around the flakes of the fire," the update said. "Aircraft are working to stop forward progress but have limited visibility."

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory, warning residents of Castaic and Santa Clarita to avoid physical activity, stay indoors, and use air purifiers or turn on their air conditioners.