CASTAIC, CA. (Pain In The Pass)>> Firefighters are battling a large brush fire in the Angeles National Forest next to Northbound Interstate 5 at Lake Hughes Road Wednesday afternoon. High desert residences starting smelling smoke this evening.

The “Ridge Fire” was first spotted around 12pm Wednesday August 31, 2022 burning off of I-5 freeway just north of Lake Hughes Road near Castaic.

At 3pm the fire has scorched more than 165 acres and closed both north and southbound lanes of the 5 freeway.

The fire rapid and explosive growth at 7:30pm to 4,600 acres burned with help of 10 to 20 mph winds pushing the flames.

This fire remain under investigation by fire investigators. There is reports the fire may have been sparked by a construction crew generator.

If you can smell smoke, you’re breathing smoke. When smoke is present, residents should avoid excessive outdoor exercise or activity. Children, seniors, people with heart or lung disease and physically active adults are at greatest risk during poor air quality events.

If you are impacted by smoke this is what to do:
•    Everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion.
•    People with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children should remain indoors.
•    Keep windows and doors closed.
•    Run your air conditioner if you have one.
•    Avoid using a swamp cooler or whole-house fan to prevent bringing additional smoke inside.

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