Amid fierce wildfire in Southern California, 5 Freeway shuts down. Read details

Another wildfire was instigated due to heat waves, this time in the Castaic region of southern California. Several residents were evacuated from the vulnerable areas, causing grave distress and panic among the citizens. The fire started on Wednesday due to heat waves in the rural areas and was gushing through the dry bush.

The heat wave is estimated to continue right until Labor Day. As the fire spread across thousands of acres in northwestern Los Angeles County, it forced the closure of Interstate 5. The major north-south route was shut down after the fire continued to move at a great speed, burning down hundreds of acres around Interstate 5.

The California State Transport Department for District 7 announced late Wednesday night that Interstate 5 was shut down near Castaic due to the wildfire. North-block traffic was stopped at Parker Road, while south-block traffic was halted at Templin Highway. The department also shared pictures of the catastrophe, where we could see a long string of flames and smoke.




The Los Angeles Times reported that the Route Fire had spread to at least 4,625 acres and could not be contained. About 250 fire service officials have been working tirelessly to control the fire, and at least eight firefighters had to receive medical treatment for problems caused by the heat wave.

The operation was also joined by 115 US Forest Service firefighters, with seven helicopters and eight air tankers deployed.

Transport officials have directed drivers who must pass through the region to take Highway 14 via the Antelope Valley or Highway 126 via Ventura County. Despite the fire running wild and fast, there have been no reports of it damaging buildings or causing casualties. At least for now, Fire Capt. Sheila Kelliher has stated that the fire does not threaten any structures in the area.