Wildfire Burns 650 Acres By LA Sheriff's Explosive Disposal Area

LOS ANGELES, CA — Firefighters were hampered in battling a fast-moving brush fire in Castaic Wednesday because the blaze broke out near the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department explosives disposal area containing live ordinance.

"Cannot make a direct attack," the Los Angeles County Fire Department tweeted. "Will have to use fire roads and dozer line."

Within hours, the blaze dubbed the North Fire spread to 650-acres fueled by dry brush and windy conditions. The fire department called in fixed-wing tankers to help fight the blaze.

Mandatory evacuation orders were 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, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station announced.

Santa Clarita city officials advised residents who may have been displaced by the fire to contact the Los Angeles Red Cross for assistance in finding lodging and the Castaic Animal Shelter will take all evacuated animals.

Road closures were in effect for West Hills Drive from Iron Village Drive to northern Copper Hill Drive.

The fire was 0% contained as of about 7:45 p.m.

Firefighters had been sent to the 29000 block of The Old Road just after 1:30 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The blaze was burning uphill, and dense black smoke could be seen for miles in northeastern Los Angeles County.

No injuries were immediately reported, according to the fire department.