A fire in Sylmar that officials are calling the Creek Fire has burned 1,100 acres and forced evacuations in the San Fernando Valley.

Santa Clarita residents headed south for work have reported the smoke along the 405 freeway is so bad they can only see two cars in front of them. Because of the heavy smoke, traffic is backed up throughout the 210 and 5 freeways, with slow speeds backing into the 5/14 split.

While the National weather Service predicts winds will blow the smoke away from the Santa Clarita Valley, a Red Flag warning was issued Monday because of the potential for 50 MPH gusts through Dec. 12.

Those trying to avoid the freeway traffic should also avoid Sand Canyon Rd. That roadway is closed indefinitely at Placerita Canyon Road, because it runs straight through where the fire is located in the Angeles National Forest.

As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, no closures of the Antelope Valley Line of the L.A. County Metrolink have been reported.

The fire broke out just after 4 a.m.  Tuesday morning, according to CHP records, just east of Sylmar.

Evacuation orders are in place for Lopez Canyon, Kagel Canyon and Little Tujunga Canyon, LAPD officials said.

Residents immediately to the east and west of the fire were also being asked to evacuate.

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