Evacuation warnings lifted as King Fire holds at 591 acres, 75% containment along I-5

The King Fire, which broke out early Wednesday morning near Interstate 5 and Smokey Bear Road, has burned 591 acres as of Friday night, August 15. Unified Command reports that the fire is now 75% contained, with forward progress halted in most sectors after multiple flare-ups earlier in the week.

The fire made three separate attempts to cross I-5 during its most active periods and destroyed two unoccupied RVs at the Pyramid Lake RV Park. While early rates of spread were described as “dangerous,” conditions have since improved.

King Fire sparked rapid evacuations and traffic disruptions:

The fire was first reported at approximately 1:00 a.m. on August 13 and spread rapidly through chaparral and tall grass on steep terrain east of I-5. In response, Los Angeles County authorities issued evacuation warnings and closed portions of the interstate.

All evacuation warnings have now been lifted, though fire officials continue to urge caution in the area. The Smokey Bear Road exits remain closed in both directions, and drivers should prepare for intermittent delays as crews monitor flare-ups and continue mop-up operations.

Aerial support and hand crews holding containment lines:

Aircraft have been actively supporting ground crews with water and retardant drops, particularly near Pyramid Lake and Vista Del Lago. Bulldozers are working on indirect and contingency lines in areas where brush and chaparral remain dense.

Fire behavior has slowed significantly, with only minimal backing, creeping, and smoldering reported. However, uncontained sections still pose a risk due to dry fuels and wind shifts.

Evacuation and public safety resources

While the situation has stabilized, residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels:

• LACounty.gov
• LA County Sheriffs Facebook
• Genasys - Evacuation Map
• Register for Alert

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect. Drones and private aircraft are strictly prohibited near the fire zone. Violators may face criminal charges. Visit KnowBeforeYouFly.org for more info.

Road status and access:

• ✅ Northbound I-5: All lanes reopened
• ❌ Smokey Bear Rd exits: Closed in both directions
• ⚠️ Expect delays and possible closures if conditions shift

See LA County Road Closures for real-time updates.

Fire containment resources:

As of Friday night, approximately 55 personnel remain assigned to the King Fire incident.

• Acres burned: 591
• Containment: 75%
• Fuels: Brush (2 ft), Tall Grass (2.5 ft), Chaparral (6 ft)
• Fire behavior: Minimal, smoldering

Weather outlook and next 72 hours:

Crews anticipate continued fireline progress through the weekend. Dry conditions and drought-stressed vegetation still present a risk for flare-ups outside containment, with spotting up to ¼ mile possible in the next 24–48 hours.

By Sunday, cooler temperatures and higher humidity are expected to assist suppression efforts. Winds from the Santa Clarita Valley may continue to affect the fire zone near Pyramid Lake, but stronger onshore influence should help moderate behavior.