LOS ANGELES, CA – Firefighters increased containment of the Bouquet Fire to 48% after the wildfire burned approximately 1,048 acres in the Angeles National Forest northeast of Santa Clarita, while evacuation orders and warnings remained in effect for several areas of northern Los Angeles County.
The fire began Saturday, October 3, near Bouquet Canyon Road and Quarry Road and expanded rapidly through dry, rugged terrain. The CAL FIRE incident page lists the U.S. Forest Service’s Angeles National Forest as the agency with jurisdiction over the incident and says the cause remains under investigation.
The fire’s growth was particularly rapid during its first several hours. CAL FIRE reported that the blaze reached 100 acres shortly after 3:59 p.m., then expanded to more than 700 acres before reaching 1,000 acres later Saturday evening.
By Saturday night, the incident had been mapped at 1,048 acres. Firefighters continued attacking the flames from the ground and air, with aircraft supporting crews working to slow the fire and strengthen containment lines.
Containment improves as crews hold fire perimeter
Firefighters made additional progress Sunday as crews concentrated efforts along portions of the southern fire perimeter and areas near Bouquet Canyon Road.
According to the latest CAL FIRE update, the fire reached 48% containment Sunday evening. The agency’s incident information lists the fire at roughly 1,040 to 1,048 acres, reflecting updates made as crews continued mapping the perimeter.
The improvement in containment came as firefighters dealt with difficult conditions, including high temperatures, dry vegetation and rugged terrain. The fire is burning in an area of chaparral and grass with limited access, conditions that can make it more difficult for crews to establish and maintain fire lines.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said she was monitoring the incident and remained in contact with emergency response partners. In a statement, Barger praised firefighters and other first responders working in what she described as extremely hot and difficult conditions, according to the Los Angeles County Supervisor’s Office.
Evacuation orders remain in place
Despite the increase in containment, evacuation orders continued for areas considered to face an immediate threat.
The Los Angeles County emergency information page lists evacuation orders for zones LAC-E018, LAC-E030-B and LAC-E031-A. Evacuation warnings were also in effect for LAC-E016, LAC-E017, LAC-E019, LAC-E020, LAC-E021, LAC-E029, LAC-E030-A and LAC-E031-B.
An evacuation order means residents in the affected area are being directed to leave because of an immediate threat to life. An evacuation warning indicates a potential threat to life or property and advises residents to be prepared to leave.
Authorities have also established an evacuation shelter at the Castaic Sports Complex, located at 31230 Castaic Road in Castaic. The shelter was opened as the fire spread and evacuation orders were issued.
Residents who need additional time to evacuate, particularly those with pets or livestock, have been urged to leave early rather than waiting for conditions to worsen.
Road and recreation closures continue
The fire also prompted closures in the surrounding area.
Bouquet Canyon Road remained closed at Vasquez Canyon Road as firefighters continued working in the area. Temporary closures were also implemented at the Rowher Flat Off-Highway Vehicle Area and Drinkwater Off-Highway Vehicle Area for public safety.
The closures are intended to keep the public away from active firefighting operations and areas where conditions can change quickly.
CAL FIRE also reported a possible drone sighting over the fire during the initial response. The agency warned that unauthorized drones operating near wildfires can interfere with aircraft used for firefighting and are prohibited under federal law.
Smoke affects parts of Los Angeles County
Smoke from the fire also prompted a public health advisory.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported that smoke from the Bouquet Fire could affect the Santa Clarita Valley, the Interstate 5 corridor and portions of the Angeles National Forest.
The advisory noted that wildfire smoke contains fine particles and other pollutants that can irritate the eyes and respiratory system. People exposed to smoke can experience symptoms including burning eyes, a runny nose, scratchy throat and headaches.
Smoke conditions can change depending on fire activity, weather and suppression operations. As firefighters continue working around the perimeter, residents in affected areas are being advised to follow local emergency and air-quality guidance.
Cause remains under investigation
The cause of the Bouquet Fire has not been determined.
CAL FIRE continues to list the cause as under investigation. No official agency has announced a confirmed origin or identified a responsible person.
The fire also began during a period of extreme heat across Southern California, adding to the difficult conditions faced by firefighters. Hot temperatures, low humidity and dry fuels can contribute to faster fire growth and make suppression operations more challenging.
For now, firefighters remain focused on reinforcing containment lines and managing remaining fire activity while evacuation orders and warnings remain active.
The increase to 48% containment represents progress, but the fire remains active and conditions can change. Residents in evacuation zones should continue following instructions from Los Angeles County emergency officials and the agencies managing the incident.
