A significant brush fire known as the King fire ignited early Thursday morning near Pyramid Lake, impacting the 5 freeway. This rapidly spreading fire expanded to 400 acres by dawn, with only 5% containment reported by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. In response, authorities closed key roads including on/offramps at Smokey Bear and Vista del Lago, along with Old Ridge Route. The California Highway Patrol also shut down several freeway lanes during firefighting efforts. Evacuation warnings were issued for local communities such as Hungry Valley, Paradise Ranch, and Gorman.
The King fire began east of the 5 freeway just after 1 a.m. north of Pyramid Lake near Smokey Bear Road and grew to 400 acres before sunrise.
The blaze was 5% contained by 6 a.m., according to a social media post from the department.
Authorities have closed the on and offramps at Smokey Bear and Vista del Lago roads in both directions and closed Old Ridge Route from Lake Hughes to Templin.
Evacuation warnings were issued for areas around Hungry Valley, Paradise Ranch and Gorman.
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