South California wildfire: Route fire in Castaic area now 87% contained

A massive fire broke out in the Castaic area of Southern California last Wednesday due to scorching heat waves in the region. However, the fire reportedly spread across 5,208 acres and was 87% contained on Saturday. Firefighters from the fire service department and the US Forest Service continue to battle the widespread fire that has caused triple-digit heat in the affected area.

The route fire forced the authorities to evacuate hundreds of families from the area and shut down important roadways passed through the affected areas, like Interstate 5. Helicopter and air-tank carriers were called in to contain the fire that spread to thousands of acres within a few hours. The operation received a big boost after two Super Scooper water-dropping airplanes were added to the fleet.

The firefighters were trying to box the fire as the forecast continues to suggest high temperatures until Labor Day weekend. The triple-digit temperatures are a major concern, which may further strengthen the heat wave. Other than Interstate 5, the Golden State Freeway between Templin Highway and Lake Hughes Road has also been shut down until the Labor Day weekend.


As reported by ABC7, the fire has destroyed at least two structures. Though there haven’t been any reports of deaths due to the fire, at least seven firefighters suffered injuries due to the scorching heat. The injured were released from the hospital after receiving essential treatment.

Commenting on the magnitude of the fire, Angeles National Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia said that the fire had the potential to do much more damage than it did. As reported, at least 467 personnel were involved in the operations to contain the fire and control damage.

Garcia thanked the firefighters and other partnering services for their concerted efforts to control the fire and safeguard the public. He further called the recent fires a wake-up call about how violent future fire incidents could be. A massive fire broke out in the Castaic area of Southern California last Wednesday due to scorching heat waves in the region. However, the fire reportedly spread across 5,208 acres and was 87% contained on Saturday. Firefighters from the fire service department and the US Forest Service continue to battle the widespread fire that has caused triple-digit heat in the affected area.



The route fire forced the authorities to evacuate hundreds of families from the area and shut down important roadways passed through the affected areas, like Interstate 5. Helicopter and air-tank carriers were called in to contain the fire that spread to thousands of acres within a few hours. The operation received a big boost after two Super Scooper water-dropping airplanes were added to the fleet.

The firefighters were trying to box the fire as the forecast continues to suggest high temperatures until Labor Day weekend. The triple-digit temperatures are a major concern, which may further strengthen the heat wave. Other than Interstate 5, the Golden State Freeway between Templin Highway and Lake Hughes Road has also been shut down until the Labor Day weekend.

As reported by ABC7, the fire has destroyed at least two structures. Though there haven’t been any reports of deaths due to the fire, at least seven firefighters suffered injuries due to the scorching heat. The injured were released from the hospital after receiving essential treatment.

Commenting on the magnitude of the fire, Angeles National Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia said that the fire had the potential to do much more damage than it did. As reported, at least 467 personnel were involved in the operations to contain the fire and control damage.

Garcia thanked the firefighters and other partnering services for their concerted efforts to control the fire and safeguard the public. He further called the recent fires a wake-up call about how violent future fire incidents could be.