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California wildfires: 1,200 evacuated from LA county as 'Post Fire' burns down 4,400 acres

California wildfires: 1,200 evacuated from LA county as 'Post Fire' burns down 4,400 acres

Wildfire in California

Evacuation orders were issued Saturday (Jun 15) in Los Angeles County after a major wildfire erupted there and spread across thousands of acres and threatened nearby infrastructure, including a highway. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said the wildfires, being dubbed as 'Post Fire' burned down 4,400 acres near the Interstate 5 freeway in Gorman.

The blaze is believed to have started at around 1:45 pm local time and it remained zero per cent contained till 10:50 pm. No casualty had been reported till then. California Fire Department said an investigation was going on to ascertain the cause of the wildfire.

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In an update, the department said 1,200 people were evacuated from Hungry Valley Park. Further evacuations were likely from the areas south of Pyramid Lake, including the Paradise Ranch Estates, as residents there were asked to prepare to leave.

"Currently crews are working to construct perimeter fire lines around the flakes of the fire," the update said. "Aircraft are working to stop forward progress but have limited visibility."

Watch:California wildfires: Residents flee, majority of the highways closed

The smoke led to the deterioration of air quality in the area. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a notification Saturday cautioning Castaic and Santa Clarita residents to avoid physical activity, stay indoors, and use air purifiers or turn on their air conditioners.

(With inputs from agencies)