Tick fire scorches more than 3,000 acres in northern LA County; mandatory evacuations in place
A wind-driven wildfire raced through Canyon Country in northern Los Angeles County on Thursday, Oct. 24, scorching at least 3,000 acres, destroying some structures and threatening more, prompting evacuations throughout the rural area.
The fire was reported early Thursday afternoon near the 31600 block of Tick Canyon Road, earning it the moniker Tick fire, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Initially reported at 200 acres, the blaze rapidly grew to more than 850 acres in less than an hour. By early evening, county fire officials estimated the blaze to be roughly 3,000 acres, down from an earlier estimate, since more accurate information became available, LA County fire spokesman Marvin Lim said. At least one structure could be seen burning, and crews on scene reported multiple other structures burning or were immediately threatened by the flames.
As many as 50,000 people were affected by evacuation orders, officials said late Thursday.
Fire crews worked to save structures that reportedly were burning and threatened as the fire moved to the west.
Fire department spokesman Sean Rios said at least 300 firefighters, four planes and six helicopters were involved in fighting the blaze.
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National Weather Service forecasters say winds were gusting at speeds of 45 to 55 mph in the vicinity of the fire, and humidity levels are in the single digits.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries.
Evacuation orders were issued for all residents north of the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway, east of Whites/Plum Canyon roads, south of Vasquez Canyon Road and west of Agua Dolce. Evacuations were ordered south of the 14 Freeway east of Sand Canyon, north of Placerita Canyon and west of Robinson Ranch Golf Course.
An evacuation center was set up at College of the Canyons in Valencia, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road. College of the Canyons canceled all classes at its Valencia and Canyon Country campuses.
National Weather Service forecasters said winds were gusting at 45 to 55 mph in the area of the fire.
Earlier estimates suggesting that the fire had grown to consume 5,000 acres were based on preliminary reoprts, and reduced after more accurate information became available, LACFD spokesman Marvin Lim said.
The blaze sparked on a day of extreme fire danger in Southern California, as a scorching late October heat wave combined with erratic Santa Ana winds across the region.