Wildfire Forces Closure of I-5 Freeway in Southern California
The Danny Fire rapidly spread near Gorman, prompting evacuation warnings and shutting down the major north-south travel artery.
A fast-moving wildfire erupted near the I-5 Freeway in Southern California Thursday afternoon, leading to evacuation warnings and the closure of both directions of the major highway through the Grapevine.
The Danny Fire was burning south of Gorman, north of Smokey Bear Road, and had grown to an estimated 5 to 10 acres by approximately 4:30 p.m., according to Watch Duty. A helicopter observing the fire reported a moderate rate of spread as emergency crews responded.
Evacuation warnings were requested for specific zones including GOR-E004, GOR-HUNGRYVALLEY-A, and GOR-HUNGRYVALLEY-B.
The fire was initially reported at around 2 acres shortly after 4:15 p.m., spreading rapidly through light to medium vegetation, according to radio traffic. Firefighters also noted a potential threat to structures within 15 to 20 minutes of the initial report.
Both sides of Interstate 5 were shut down through the Grapevine, a critical travel corridor connecting Southern and Northern California, as the fire burned nearby. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.
