CASTAIC (CNS) - A brush fire in Castaic has burned 552 acres and was 50% contained today.
The North Fire was reported about 1:45 p.m. Wednesday in the area of 29330 The Old Road, east of the Golden State (5) Freeway, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The fire was initially reported to be at about one acre in light to medium fuels, but quickly spread and was reported to be at 50 acres by about 3:20 p.m. Wednesday.
The size was listed at 650 acres late Wednesday, but was downgraded slightly to 640 acres on Thursday morning after infrared mapping, the fire department reported.
The fire was further downgraded to 552 acres at about 7:40 p.m. Thursday due to updated mapping, according to CalFire.
Firefighters at the scene reported Wednesday that they slowed their response to the fire due to its proximity to a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department explosives-disposal site in the area.
Mandatory evacuation orders issued for residents north and west of West Hills Drive, north of Iron Village Drive, north and west of Tesoro Del Valle and north of Copper Hill Drive due to the North Fire were lifted at 10 p.m. Wednesday, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station announced.
Road closures were in effect for West Hills Drive from Iron Village Drive to northern Copper Hill Drive.
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