Firefighters battle flames & extreme heat near Castaic, CA | LiveNOW from FOX

The "Route Fire" sparked around 12:20 p.m. near the northbound lanes of the 5 Freeway just north of Lake Hughes Road, according to Angeles National Forest officials. A short time later, officials announced the freeway was closed in the area as crews battle the blaze. At last check, the fire has extended to about 250 acres, according to the LASD's Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station. EVACUATION ORDERS The Route Fire has prompted a mandatory evacuation order to go into effect for the following areas: Paradise Mobile Estates All buildings and structures south of Templin Highway along Upper Ridge Route Road All the impacted residents are being ordered to evacuate north of the area. The majority of Southern California is under an Excessive Heat Warning through Labor Day weekend. In addition, the brutal heat wave prompted a statewide Flex Alert from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday.