Brush fire burning near Newhall Pass in Santa Clarita forces evacuation orders and warnings

Los Angeles County firefighters are battling a brush fire burning in the hills above the Newhall Pass in Santa Clarita. 

The fire was first reported at around 4:40 p.m. near the intersection of N. Sierra Highway and Needham Ranch Parkway, LACoFD officials said. 

Santa Clarita city officials urged people to stay away from the area and use alternate routes if possible. 

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials said that a series of evacuation orders and warnings were in effect as the grew. 

As of 6 p.m., orders were issued for:

• SCL-CALGROVE
• SCL-ETERNAL
• SCL-WILDWOOD

Evacuation warnings were also issued for:

• LAC-E119-C
• LAC-E132-A
• SCL-DELPRADO
• SCL-MARKET
• SCL-NEWHALLPASS
• SCL-VALLEDELORO
• STV-E109-B

This is a developing story. Check back for details.