Brush fire near I-5 over the Grapevine explodes to 1,000 acres, prompting evacuations

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Monday, July 5, 2021
Brush fire near I-5 over the Grapevine explodes to 1,000 acres, prompting evacuations
A brush fire erupted Sunday afternoon near the I-5 over the Grapevine and quickly spread to about 1,000 acres, officials said.

GORMAN, Calif. -- A brush fire erupted Sunday afternoon near the I-5 over the Grapevine and quickly spread to about 1,000 acres, officials said, prompting evacuations and a massive response from firefighters.

The so-called Tumbleweed Fire was reported shortly before 2 p.m. near Gorman Post Road and the southbound side of the freeway, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Authorities said flames were being driven by winds in the area - which, according to the National Weather Service, are gusting between 18 and 25 mph.

The blaze was initially reported at 200 acres, but quickly grew in size. It is 10% contained.

No structural damage was immediately reported, but two firefighters suffered minor injuries, authorities said.

Evacuations were under way for the Gorman Park Area in Gorman, the Sheriff's Department said.

The cause of the fire was unknown.