A fire in the Castaic and Valencia area quickly spread to at least 650 acres east of the 5 Freeway and northeast of the Wayside Canyon area in Castaic Wednesday afternoon. The brush fire was first reported on the 29300 block of The Old Road. It was named the North Fire. Fixed wing aircraft, air tankers and helicopters were being used to battle the flames, along with ground crews. Around 80 firefighters had been dispatched to the fire. Road closures were in place for West Hills Drive from Iron Village Drive to the northern Copper Hill Drive entrance in Valencia. Mandatory evacuations were issued for residents north and west of West Hills Drive, north of Iron Village Drive, north and west of Tesoro Del Valle and north of Copper Hill Drive, of nearby homes and businesses, by the evening, due to the North Fire. Additional evacuation warnings were issued for Bellows Court, Via Patina and Platinum Court areas, as the fire was reportedly moving to the east. No injuries were reported.
National Weather Service meteorologist Kristen Stewart said firefighters were battling the fire in “pretty dry” conditions, with 8% humidity and gusting winds. The Red Cross announced it would be helping those evacuated and in need of lodging, asking those seeking assistance to contact them via their social media account or at their email. Both city of Santa Clarita and sheriff’s officials asked commuters to avoid the area to allow for emergency vehicles to proceed through.
