California Fires: Klamathon Wildfire Closes Interstate 5, 10 Acres Destroyed In Irwindale

UPDATE : 1.30 a.m. EDT - Governor of California Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency for Siskiyou County, citing "extreme peril" to people and property.

The declaration states that the fire has destroyed structures and continues to threaten additional homes and livestock and the circumstances of the fire is "beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of any single local government and require the combined forces of a mutual aid or regions to combat."

Original story:

A fire that broke out Thursday afternoon in Klamathon near Hornbrook in Siskiyou County, California, continued to spread north and west toward Oregon, burning 5000 acres of land by evening.

Due to the blaze, the Interstate Five was closed in both directions between Ashland and Yreka, the Oregon Department of Transportation announced. Travelers heading southbound into California were requested to take Highway 97.

The Klamathon fire has forced authorities to evacuate much of the town.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection ( CAL FIRE) in a release issued at 7.30 p.m. local time (10.30 p.m. EDT) said, “Fire is 1000+ acres and 0% contained with multiple structures threatened. An Evacuation Order is in effect for Klamathon Rd from I-5 to Ager and all Hornbrook City all the way to and including Hilt /Colestein Valley,” local daily KOBI5 reported.

CAL FIRE said the evacuations came into effect in Hornbrook at 4.40 p.m. local time (7.40 p.m. EDT) and an evacuation shelter was established at Jackson Street School in Yreka.

“It is suggested impacted residents secure valuables, essential documents, needed medications, pets, and other animals as soon as possible and leave the area until the area is declared safe. Lock and secure all homes, other buildings, and vehicles left behind to the extent possible and monitor updates from local authorities,” the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department said.

Meanwhile, a brush fire that broke out Thursday afternoon near the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale, California, has scorched 15-20 acres. According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the fire broke out around 5.40 p.m local time (8.40 p.m. EDT) and it affected the city of Duarte and the MTA Gold Line track.

A structure defense was established at the nearby MillerCoors brewery and five water-dropping helicopters were at the scene, ABC 7 reported.