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Ridge Fire near Gorman prompts evacuations, briefly closes the 5
This is a developing story and will be updated. For the most up-to-date information about the fire you can check:
The 5 Freeway has reopened after a brush fire in Gorman near the L.A.-Kern county line shut down both northbound and southbound lanes at around 5 p.m.
Evacuation orders and warnings in both L.A. and Kern counties are in effect for the Ridge Fire, which started at 3:02 p.m. near Gorman School Road in Gorman, according to Cal Fire.
The fire quickly grew to 1,000 acres in less than two hours.
It was 0% contained as of 9 p.m. Friday.
A Wildfire Smoke Advisory has been issued by South Coast AQMD through 2 p.m. on Saturday for areas around Gorman.
The basics
- Acreage: 1,057 acres
- Containment: 0
- Structures destroyed/damaged: Unknown
- Deaths: None reported.
- Injuries: None reported.
Evacuation map and orders
Evacuation orders have been issued by the Los Angeles County Fire Department for the following areas:
Evacuation warnings
Authorities say those who require additional time to evacuate and those with pets and livestock should leave immediately.
- GOR-E001-A
- GOR-HUNGRYVALLEY-B
KRN-545 (Kern County)
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Fire resources and tips
Check out LAist's wildfire recovery guide
If you have to evacuate:
- Why fire officials don't want you to stay and defend your home
- How to get packed up
- How to leave your house
- What evacuation terms mean and how to sign up for alerts
Navigating fire conditions:
- How to drive in high winds and fire danger
- How to prep for power outages
- How to navigate poor air quality
How to help yourself and others:
- Resources for fire victims, evacuees and first responders
- If you want to help fire victims, resist the urge to volunteer
- How to help find lost pets
How to start the recovery process:
- What to do — and not do — when you get home after a wildfire
- How to make an insurance claim
- How to safely clean up wildfire ash
What to do for your kids:
- How to talk to children about wildfires and losing a home
- What parents should know about wildfire air quality
Prepare for the next disaster: