Residents shelter in place for hours after gas leak outside of Los Angeles

Saturday, January 3, 2026

A gas leak occurred in Castaic, California, in northern Los Angeles County, on Saturday, December 27. More than 14,000 people were required to shelter in place. Interstate 5 was shut down for several hours due to the gas leak, bottlenecking post-holiday traffic for several hours. ABC News reported that the leak was due to a ruptured gas line.

In Santa Clarita and in the San Fernando Valley people said they smelled a heavy odor. Authorities told the public that this odor was harmless. Regardless, workers in hazmat suits were deployed to the scene.

The shelter-in-place order was rescinded on Sunday.

A spokesperson for the fire department stated that there were no reported explosions or casualties related to the incident.

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Sources

Tristan Maglunog and Jack Moore. Gas leak outside Los Angeles shuts down major highway, nearby residents shelter in place for hours — ABC News (United States), December 28, 2025
Alexi Chidbachian. Castaic gas leak prompts shelter in place order, closure of 5 Freeway — FOX 11 LA, December 28, 2025