Moving fire forces evacuations north of Los Angeles

He said he saw a vehicle crash over the side of the road at the outset of the fire and suspected the crash sparked the flames.

City News Service reports firefighters were sent to The Old Road and Calgrove Boulevard in Newhall around 12:05 p.m. Fire officials said that the Stevenson Ranch community has been evacuated, as is Southern Oak Drive between Greenbriar Drive and Meadow Lane. Second alarm typically means multiple fire engines respond. At least 750 homes – affecting about 2,000 people – were under evacuation orders, county fire officials said.

The fire covered several hundred acres.

More than 200 firefighters rushed to the scene, aided by 10 water and fire-retardant dropping aircraft, Sims said.

This article was originally published at 1:02 p.m.

Evacuations have been ordered on Old Stone Way and Oakcreek Ave. where Southern Drive meet. One inmate firefighter suffered a minor injury, Medina said.

There were no estimates on how many residents were being evacuated.

Smoke could be seen drifting over Interstate 5, but the fire has not forced any closures.

An evacuation center was set up at West Ranch High School, 26255 West Valencia Blvd., Sgt. Chris Maurizi of the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station said.