Brush fire erupts in Santa Clarita area north of Los Angeles

Brush fire threatens structures north of LA

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — A brush fire that erupted in the hilly Santa Clarita area north of Los Angeles has shut down part of Interstate 5 and is threatening homes.

Los Angeles County Fire Department Inspector Sam Padilla said Friday’s fire has burned about 15 acres and is threatening about 30 homes. No evacuations have been ordered.

The entire northbound side of I-5 was briefly shut down, but two lanes have been reopened.

About 200 firefighters and six water-dropping helicopters are on the scene in Santa Clarita, a city of 177,000 between I-5 and State Route 14.

Lines of firefighters are cutting a break through dry brush ahead of flames.

Temperatures are in the 80s with low winds.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (AP) — A brush fire has erupted in the hilly Santa Clarita area north of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles County Fire Department Inspector Sam Padilla said Friday’s fire was five acres and growing, with at least a dozen homes threatened.

Water-dropping helicopters and fire engines are on the scene in Santa Clarita, a city of 177,000 between Interstate 5 and State Route 14.

Lines of firefighters are cutting a break through dry brush ahead of flames burning along part of the northbound side of the interstate, which has been shut down.

Temperatures are in the 80s with low winds.