Interstate 5 was closed in both directions near Gorman, California, Friday as the fast-moving Ridge Fire burned near the major highway. The brush fire caused smoke to spread across the area and disrupting travel.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Newhall and Fort Tejon offices reported the closure on Friday afternoon. At about 4:15 p.m. PDT, CHP said northbound and southbound I-5 traffic was being turned around because of the fire and smoke.
According to their social media post, the northbound traffic was being turned around at Smokey Bear Road, while southbound vehicles were being turned around at Frazier Mountain Park Road. CHP said there was no estimated reopening time and advised drivers to use an alternate route.
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Smoke from Ridge fire spreads near Gorman
The Ridge Fire was reported near Gorman, a community in northwestern Los Angeles County close to the Los Angeles-Kern county line. Flames moved toward the Interstate 5 corridor immediately. This prompted officials to shut the freeway as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
BREAKING NEWS reported that the fire prompted a closure of the northbound lanes while crews worked to slow its spread. Evacuation warnings were also issued for areas near the fire, according to local reports.
This causes significant travel disruption since I-5 is one of California’s primary north-south highways. The route connects the Los Angeles region with communities across the Central Valley and beyond.