Fast-moving brush fire in Southern California prompts evacuations

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. -- A fast-moving brush fire erupted next to the 5 Freeway in Santa Clarita near a mobile home park Wednesday afternoon, prompting hundreds of evacuations. The blaze is 20 percent contained.

The Calgrove Fire, which erupted next to I-5 lanes, just north of SR-14, is spreading northeast and has scorched 100 acres. About 450 Los Angeles city, county and U.S. Forest Service crews are battling the greater alarm fire. One firefighter suffered minor burn injuries, according to Los Angeles County Fire officials. An ambulance was called out to the scene.

PHOTOS: Calgrove Fire burns in Santa Clarita

Fire officials say the mobile home park and single-family homes were threatened. Part of a garage was reported damaged, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department Deputy Chief John Tripp.

About 1,000 people and 500 homes have been evacuated from the following areas:

• Crescent Valley Mobile Estates, located in the 23500 block of The Old Road
• Oakbridge Lane
• Wildwood Canyon Road
• La Salle Canyon Drive
• Champagne Lane
• Pine Street, south of Railroad Avenue
• All homes south of Calgrove Boulevard

An evacuation center has been set up at West Ranch High School, 26255 W. Valencia Blvd., in Stevenson Ranch. An emergency animal evacuation center has also been set up at William S. Hart Park, 24151 Newhall Ave., in Newhall. Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Ave., in Woodland Hills is taking in livestock from evacuated areas.

Heavy brush is fueling the flames, which are surging through dry canyons near the Angeles National Forest.

Seven helicopters and four fixed-wing air crafts are dropping 1,000 gallons of water at a time on the flames, which have sent up an enormous ridge of smoke.

A smoke advisory has been issued for the Santa Clarita Valley by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Residents in the area are asked to avoid vigorous outdoor and indoor activities, and keep doors and windows closed. Those with respiratory problems should remain indoors.

Both directions of the 5 Freeway were closed at times due to the firefight. The Old Road was also closed. California Institute of the Arts closed its campus in Valencia for the rest of the afternoon due to the fire.

Los Angeles County firefighters also responded to a five-acre brush fire that broke out near Soledad Canyon Road and Shadow Pines Boulevard in northern Santa Clarita. About 12 homes near the area were temporarily evacuated. Active flames were no longer visible shortly before 6 p.m., according to Los Angeles County Fire officials.

City News Service and The Associated Press contributed to this report.