All evacuation orders have been lifted for residents who live near a brush fire that erupted Wednesday in Castaic and scorched about 650 acres.
The North Fire was reported at about 1:45 p.m. in the area of 29330 The Old Road, east of the 5 Freeway, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The fire was initially reported to be at about one acre in light to medium fuels, but quickly spread and was reported to be at 50 acres by about 3:20 p.m.
Firefighters at the scene reported that they slowed their response to the fire due to its proximity of a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department explosives-disposal site in the area.
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Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for residents north and west of West Hills Drive, north of Iron Village Drive, north and west of Tesoro Del Valle and north of Copper Hill Drive due to the North Fire, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station announced.
Suvany Cowie said her family went into the garage, grabbed suitcases and tried to be prepared as best they could.
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"We're all on pins and needles," Cowie said. "We don't know what's going to happen next. We're trying to stay safe and have a positive attitude through this whole thing."
Santa Clarita city officials advised residents who may have been displaced by the fire to contact the Los Angeles Red Cross for assistance in finding lodging and the Castaic Animal Shelter will take all evacuated animals.
Road closures were in effect for West Hills Drive from Iron Village Drive to northern Copper Hill Drive.
The fire was 25% contained as of Thursday morning.
