5 Freeway Accident Today: Ridge Fire Triggers I-5 Closures and Major Traffic Delays Near Gorman
A fast-moving brush fire near Gorman, along the Los Angeles County-Kern County line, caused major traffic disruptions on the 5 Freeway Friday evening, August 7, 2026, as firefighters worked to contain the growing blaze.
The Ridge Fire, burning on W. Gorman Post Road, was first reported shortly after 3 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The fire rapidly expanded from an estimated 100 acres to approximately 1,000 acres as flames and smoke reached the 5 Freeway.
The blaze prompted temporary closures of the freeway in both directions and created significant traffic backups in the area.
5 Freeway Closures
Around 5 p.m., the California Highway Patrol issued a SigAlert and closed all northbound lanes of the 5 Freeway because of the fire.
A second SigAlert was later issued for the southbound lanes, temporarily bringing traffic in both directions to a standstill.
The southbound lanes reopened shortly before 7 p.m., according to the CHP. Northbound lanes reopened approximately an hour later.
Although the freeway was eventually reopened, motorists continued to experience delays as firefighters battled the blaze and smoke remained visible across the area.
Firenado Spotted Near Fire
The intense conditions produced a dramatic fire-generated vortex, commonly referred to as a “firenado,” along the fire line.
ABC7 Meteorologist Dallas Raines estimated that the phenomenon reached approximately 70 to 100 feet in height. These fire vortices can form when extremely hot air rises rapidly from an intense wildfire while surrounding cooler air begins rotating into the rising column.
Video from the area showed heavy smoke surrounding the freeway and nearby communities.
Evacuation Orders and Warnings
The rapidly spreading fire prompted evacuation measures in both Los Angeles and Kern counties.
Los Angeles County issued an evacuation order for residents in zone GOR-HUNGRYVALLEY-A. Evacuation warnings were issued for zones GOR-E001-A and GOR-HUNGRYVALLEY-B.
Kern County also issued an evacuation warning for zone KRN-545, with residents advised to be prepared to leave if conditions worsen.
An evacuation shelter was established at the Castaic Sports Complex Gymnasium, located at 31230 N Castaic Rd. Officials said the shelter is open 24 hours a day and accepts pets.
Wildfire Smoke Advisory
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a Wildfire Smoke Advisory for communities surrounding Gorman through at least Saturday afternoon.
Air quality along the 5 Freeway corridor toward the Castaic Lake area was expected to reach levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Residents and motorists in areas affected by smoke were advised to monitor conditions and follow instructions from local authorities.
The Ridge Fire remains an active incident, and firefighters continue working to control the blaze.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as authorities release additional updates.
