Fast-moving wildfire shuts down major California freeway as flames rage

A fast-moving wildfire erupted near the I-5 Freeway in Southern California Thursday afternoon, triggering evacuation warnings and forcing the closure of both directions of the major highway through the Grapevine.

The Danny Fire was burning south of Gorman, north of Smokey Bear Road, with the blaze growing to an estimated 50 acres by about 5:00 p.m., according to Watch Duty.

A helicopter over the fire reported a moderate rate of spread as crews responded to the flames.

Evacuation warnings have been requested for Zones:
•GOR-E004,
•GOR-HUNGRYVALLEY-A,
•GOR-HUNGRYVALLEY-B

The fire was initially reported at around 2 acres shortly after 4:15 p.m., burning through light to medium vegetation with a fast rate of spread, according to radio traffic.

Firefighters also warned of a potential threat to structures within 15 to 20 minutes of the initial report.

Both sides of Interstate 5 were shut down through the Grapevine as the fire burned near the critical travel corridor connecting Southern and Northern California.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

This is a developing story.

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