Massive brush fire breaks out dangerously close to SoCal homes, forcing evacuations

nypost.com

A fast-moving brush fire broke in the Santa Clarita area Wednesday afternoon, threatening nearby homes as Southern California baked under a punishing summer heat wave.

The blaze, dubbed the Pointe Fire, broke out shortly after 1 p.m. near 21380 Centre Pointe Parkway, according to Los Angeles County fire authorities.

Firefighters were initially dispatched at 1:40 p.m., prompting evacuations in the area.

Dramatic video captures young students being rushed to their families’ vehicles with flames burning right next to the school.

Aerial view of a brush fire near a road, homes, and smoke obscuring parts of the scene.
A fast-moving brush fire erupted in the Santa Clarita area Wednesday afternoon, threatening nearby homes as Southern California baked under the hottest day of a punishing summer heat wave. ABC7

The fire had burned an estimated 5 acres and remained at zero containment.

Authorities also issued an evacuation warning for zone SCL-CARLBOYER as crews worked to stop the advancing fire.

Sign up for the California Morning Report newsletter

California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

Thanks for signing up!

Aerial view of a wildfire burning near homes and a road, with "Pointe Fire Burning in Santa Clarita" and "Blaze Along Soledad Canyon Road" on a news banner.
As flames spread, structures in the area were placed at risk.

The emergency unfolded as much of Southern California remained under an Extreme Heat Warning, with Wednesday marking the hottest day of the region’s ongoing heat wave.

Firefighters continued battling the Pointe Fire Wednesday afternoon in an effort to keep the blaze from reaching homes.