CASTAIC, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 31: A mother embraces her 5-year-old son, whose school was evacuated during the Route Fire, on August 31, 2022 near Castaic, California. Evacuations have been ordered as the brush fire has scorched more than 4,600 acres and closed down the 5 freeway at the start of a brutal heat wave in Southern California. The National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning for most of Southern California through Labor Day. Climate models almost unanimously predict that heat waves will become more intense and frequent as the planet continues to warm. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency on Saturday to help Los Angeles County address the impact of the Route Fire, which erupted on Aug. 31 near Castaic and burned more than 5,000 acres over the next several days.
The proclamation directs state government assist local authorities, and directs the California Department of Transportation to formally request immediate assistance through the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief Program for highway repairs or reconstruction.
The fire damaged a two-mile stretch of Interstate 5.
Seven firefighters suffered minor heat-related injuries, and a number of homes were evacuated.
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Newsom also signed an executive order Saturday to assist communities impacted by the Mosquito Fire and proclaimed a state of emergency in Alpine and Inyo counties due to damage from widespread flash flooding in August.
