Interstate 5 shuts down as the Hughes Fire continues to burn near Castaic

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Interstate 5 was closed in both directions from Grapevine to Castaic as the Hughes Fire burned Wednesday afternoon.

The Hughes Fire broke out Wednesday morning near Castaic and has exploded in size in the hours since it first ignited.

The flames and firefighting have forced the full closure of Interstate 5 through Grapevine, according to the CHP and Caltrans.

Drivers are asked to use alternate routes such as Highway 166 toward Highway 101 or Highway 58 through Tehachapi.

There is no word Wednesday afternoon on when I-5 will reopen.

The CHP advises people coming out to drive through fire areas or stuck in closures to have a “go-bag” ready, filled with water and blankets. Drivers are also encouraged to have a full tank of gas.

Interstate 5 through Grapevine is a major thoroughfare in California that connects the Central Valley and Southern California.