SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Flames from the rapidly spreading Tick Fire jumped over the 14 Freeway on October 24 after it erupted and quickly grew to 4,300 acres, according to fire officials.

Mandatory evacuation orders were in effect for 40,000 residents in Canyon Country. All evacuations have now been lifted as the fire is 100 percent contained.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles County due to the growing fire. This will free up state resources to assist with the firefighting efforts. 

Some 575 firefighters are currently engaged in battling the blaze with additional resources in the air and on the ground.

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The fire was first reported at 1:24 p.m. near the 31600 block of Tick Canyon Road, earning the moniker, the Tick Fire. It grew from 200 acres to 850 acres in less than an hour, before eventually growing to 5,000 acres. 

Federal funds have been allocated to help the State of California fight the Tick Fire after an authorization from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Several structures have been destroyed by flames with others currently threatened. Structure protection remains in place. There are no immediate reports of injuries.

 

An earlier evacuation center had been established at Golden Valley High School but it was relocated when the fire got too close.

Initially reported at 200 acres, the blaze grew to 850 acres in less than an hour and has since expanded to 3,700 acres. 

 The California Highway Patrol reports that the Soledad Canyon Road offramps from the north and south 14 Freeway have been closed due to flames from the fire.

Old Fire Burning Near Castaic Lake

Fifteen miles to the northwest and separate from the Tick Fire, the Old Fire has burned 15-20 acres, resulting in the closure of northbound lanes of the 5 Freeway at Hasley Canyon Road and immediately threatening homes in the area.

School Closures

School closures have also been announced for districts impacted by the fire.

  • All schools in Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
  • All schools in the San Fernando Valley 
  • Fillmore Unified School District
  • Mesa Union School District
  • Mupa School District
  • Castaic Union School District
  • William S. Hart Unified School District
  • Newhall School District
  • Wonderland
  • Roscomare
  • Valley View
  • Elementary Community Day School
  • Cal Arts
  • Department of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles

We will update this story as more information becomes available.