A vegetation fire identified as the “Chloe Fire” broke out at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday in the hills near Val Verde, located north of Highway 126 in the vicinity of San Martinez Grande Canyon Road, according to incident information reported via the Watch Duty app.
Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel were the first emergency responders to arrive at the remote location. Upon initial assessment at approximately 4:25 p.m., firefighters reported that the blaze had reached an estimated five acres in size. At that time, the fire was observed burning in light grass fuels and was described as creeping in behavior, indicating a relatively slow rate of spread during the early stages of the incident.
As additional updates were received from the scene, officials reported a rapid increase in fire activity. Within minutes of the initial size estimate, the fire had expanded significantly, growing to approximately 15 to 20 acres. According to radio dispatch traffic and Watch Duty updates, the fire was continuing to burn through light vegetation and was exhibiting a moderate rate of spread as conditions evolved.
Due to the remote terrain and dry fuel conditions in the area, firefighters continued to monitor the situation closely while assessing access points and potential containment strategies. Crews were working to evaluate fire behavior, environmental conditions, and any immediate threats to nearby infrastructure or communities.
At the time of the latest available reports, the full scope of containment efforts, potential evacuations, and cause of the fire had not yet been publicly confirmed. Fire officials were expected to provide additional updates as operations continued and more resources were deployed to the incident.
The Chloe Fire remains an active incident, with emergency responders maintaining situational awareness as they work to limit further spread and protect surrounding areas.