Large Brush Fire Erupts Near Gorman, Forces Evacuations At Nearby Recreation Area
GORMAN (CBSLA) — Crews Monday were continuing to battle a large brush fire which erupted north of Gorman early Sunday afternoon.
The Tumbleweed Fire was reported at about 1:30 p.m. off the southbound 5 Freeway near Gorman Road.
It quickly spread amid gusty winds, growing to 200 acres within an hour. By 7:30 p.m., it had grown to 1,000 acres, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Evacuation orders were issued for the nearby Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. No structures had been damaged or destroyed.
As of Monday night, the fire was at 1,000 acres and containment increased to 50%, officials said. Two firefighters had suffered minor injuries.
There was no word on a possible cause for the fire.
According to the National Weather Service, excessive heat is expected to arrive Thursday and remain in place through Sunday. The heat, coupled with windy conditions and low humidity, will create a climate ripe for wildfires.
On June 27, the Shell Fire broke out off the southbound 5 Freeway near Frazier Park. That blaze burned 1,984 acres. No structures were destroyed.
