Firefighters using air support raced to manage a wildfire, fueled by strong winds, which broke out Thursday morning on a hill beside Interstate 5 in northwestern Los Angeles County, according to officials.
The Kingfire ignited around 1 a.m. and scorched nearly a mile of dry brush in a densely populated area about 60 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.
Evacuations were ordered for an RV park, while nearby residents were issued warnings to prepare for potential evacuation. By evening, Angeles National Forest reported that the fire was 40% contained.
The California Highway Patrol shut down multiple highway lanes as firefighters battled the flames spreading along the hillside in the dark.
Both the off-ramp and on-ramp near Smoky Bear Road were closed, along with several roads close to Pyramid Lake, a popular spot for outdoor activities.
This fire burned several miles away from a previous canyon fire, which prompted evacuations and caused damage to seven structures while injuring three firefighters back on August 7th. It was completely brought under control Thursday morning, having charred over eight square miles across Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department noted that the flames spread to 400 acres in northern Los Angeles County, resulting in minor injuries to one firefighter.
Nearby, the Kingfire continued to spread, having started around 1 a.m. and affecting a dense residential area.
Firefighters temporarily closed both sides of the highway as the flames approached dangerously close to the road. Thankfully, all lanes have since reopened, though caution is advised for drivers in the area.
By Thursday evening, containment of the Hawk’s fire stood at 6%, with firefighting efforts struggling to make significant progress.
Residents in Acton faced initial evacuation orders, which were later downgraded, with authorities advising them to remain prepared to leave. A recreation center in Palmdale was set up to provide shelter for those displaced.
The Gifford Fire, the largest wildfire in California this year, has ravaged nearly 207 square miles across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties since it ignited on August 1, with 41% of it contained as of Thursday.
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles cautioned that wildfire risks are elevated in Southern California due to a lack of rainfall, which has dried out vegetation and made it more susceptible to fires.
