California wildfire in Los Angeles county forces evacuation of 1,200 people as it burns through 4,400 acres of land

Dramatic pictures have emerged showing firefighters trying to extinguish a massive blaze in Los Angeles, California, which has already forced the evacuation of 1,200 people.

The blaze, named the Post Fire, has burnt through 4,400 acres near the Interstate 5 Freeway Gorman, which is about 62 miles northwest of Los Angeles, according to an update by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire.

Pictures show firefighters working against the backdrop of an orange haze as they battled to contain surrounding flames on Saturday night.

Cal Fire said “residents are reminded to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if fire activity changes,” as regional temperatures were expected to be slightly higher and humidity levels lower throughout Sunday.

California State Park Services evacuated people from the Hungry Valley recreation area in Gorman and both Hungry Valley and the Pyramid Lake reservoir were closed as a result of the fire threat, the Los Angeles County Fire Department said at 8pm local time.

The flames broke out at about 1.45 pm on Saturday, authorities said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The fire was moving southeast toward Pyramid Lake and crews were constructing perimeter fire lines while aircraft worked against limited visibility to stop the fire’s progress, the fire department said.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District posted a smoke advisory on X as it warned residents of Castaic and Santa Clarita to stay indoors and use an air conditioner or purifier.