A relentless wildfire, dubbed the Post Fire, has cast a menacing shadow over Gorman, California, a community nestled north of Los Angeles. As of Monday morning, the blaze has scorched over 12,265 acres, leaving a mere 2% of its perimeter contained. Strong winds forecast for later in the day threaten to fan the flames further, creating a tense atmosphere for firefighters and residents alike.
The fire’s ferocious appetite has prompted the evacuation of roughly 1,200 people residing in the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. The idyllic Pyramid Lake, a popular recreational spot, has also been shuttered, with road closures implemented south of Ralphs Ranch Road at Quail Lake Road. The flames have inflicted damage on two commercial properties, with another two structures teetering on the brink.
Sunday witnessed the fire’s aggressive movement southeast, inching closer to the serene Lake Pyramid and pushing into Hungry Valley Park. Firefighting crews are engaged in a relentless battle, constructing fire lines to contain the blaze’s flanks. This unified command effort brings together the USDA Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Ventura County Fire Department. Additional support is pouring in from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California State Park Services, and California Highway Patrol.
The rampaging inferno has triggered a wildfire smoke advisory issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) for the Santa Clarita and Castaic areas. Northwesterly winds are expected to propel smoke from the fire southeast, potentially impacting Santa Clarita, the San Fernando Valley, and portions of the Angeles National Forest.
Adding another layer of complexity to the firefighting efforts is the National Weather Service’s wind advisory, which remains in effect through Sunday morning. The Angeles National Forest has warned of wind speeds reaching 65 mph at ridge tops from 9 pm onwards.
The Post Fire ignited with alarming speed at approximately 1:45 pm on Saturday near the Golden State (5) Freeway, close to the intersection of Ralph’s Ranch and Gorman School roads, as reported by Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Chris Little. Initially reported as a manageable 500-acre brush fire, it ballooned to a colossal 2,000 acres by 4:45 pm, and then a staggering 4,400 acres by 7:15 pm. By midnight, the fire had consumed over 10,504 acres.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. California Highway Patrol Officer D.C. Williams, speaking with KTLA5, revealed that the fire originated and engulfed vehicles parked in a McDonald’s parking lot and several others at a nearby auto body shop. He further highlighted the erratic nature of the blaze, constantly changing direction due to unpredictable wind gusts.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported thus far. However, officials are urging residents to stay alert and prepared for potential evacuations as the situation unfolds.
The unrelenting blaze north of Los Angeles serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of wildfires. As firefighters battle the Post Fire with unwavering determination, the residents of Gorman and surrounding areas grapple with uncertainty and the very real threat to their homes and livelihoods. Only time will tell if the combined efforts of firefighters and the community will be enough to quell the inferno and usher in a sense of normalcy for Gorman.