Wildfire prompts partial closure of Southern California freeway A wildfire erupted Monday in a Southern California mountain pass, shutting down a major interstate to Las Vegas and forcing the evacuation of a community of ranch homes. The blaze broke out as the region baked under the influence of a Santa Ana condition producing hot, dry air, winds of 10 mph and gusts of about 25 mph. Interstate 15, the major route between Southern California and Las Vegas, was shut down in both directions, forcing cars and trucks to divert to narrow side roads to make their way out of Cajon Pass, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles. Homes in an area known as Mathews Ranch were ordered evacuated as flames roared through chaparral-dotted foothills, but it was not immediately clear how many people were affected. Some 200 firefighters aided by 10 aircraft fought the blaze, authorities said. Although early afternoon winds in the area were modest by Santa Ana standards, the National Weather Service said some mountain areas could see speeds up to 40 mph during the day.