Castaic blaze grows to 575 acres but firefighters gaining control
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Firefighters were beginning to gain control Friday evening of a fast-burning brush fire near Castaic Lake that has so far burned 575 acres, fire officials said.
The blaze reached the northern shore of the lake, which was acting as a “natural fire break,” said Inspector Keith Mora of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The lake was also enabling firefighters to use boats to “lob water” on the flames, Mora said.
“They’re getting a hold of it,” he said. “The natural fire break is assisting.”
The blaze was about 20% contained as of 6 p.m., Mora said. Authorities said about 350 individuals were battling the fire.
Earlier, Northlake Hills Elementary School and several homes were threatened, leading officials to temporarily lock down the school and evacuate 19 homes. Students were dismissed about 2:30 p.m. after the lockdown was lifted, and evacuation orders were rescinded about 4:40 p.m.
Mora said the blaze “burned past” the homes and did not affect them.
No injuries were reported from the fire, which began about 1:30 p.m. Friday.
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