US: Authorities working to contain wildfire in northwestern Los Angeles County, Calif., as of June 18 /update 1

Crews are continuing to respond to a wildfire burning in northwestern Los Angeles County, California, as of June 18. The Post Fire is burning along Interstate 5 (I-5) near the Hungry Valley Park in Gorman. The fire broke out on the afternoon of June 15 and has grown to at least 6,318 hectares (15,611 acres) in size and is 24 percent contained. Nearly 1,700 firefighting personnel are on site tackling the blaze. Warm, dry, and breezy conditions have aided the fire's growth; red flag warnings are in place across parts of northwestern California on June 18, and further wildfire growth will probably occur in the coming hours and days.

California State Park Services have reported around 1,200 people have been evacuated from the Hungry Valley Park due to the fire. As of June 18, Los Angeles County authorities are maintaining evacuation orders for areas west of the I-5 between Pyramid Lake and Gorman, including the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area, and for the area south of Pyramid Lake, west of the I-5, east of the County line, and just north of the Templin Highway, including Oak Flasts Campground. An evacuation warning is in place for areas south of Pyramid Lake between Old Ridge Route and the LA County line, including Paradise Ranch Estates. Several roads have been closed in the vicinity of the fire, including sections of the I-5.

Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities will likely close additional routes within the wildfire complexes and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents will probably disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Power outages are likely in affected areas. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.