Fresh wildfire erupts near Los Angeles, Forcing more than 50,000 residents to flee

Authorities have placed more than 50,000 residents in Southern California (Los Angeles) under evacuation orders or warnings as a massive and fast-moving wildfire broke out in the rugged mountains north of Los Angeles. The Hughes Fire, which erupted on Wednesday morning, rapidly spread through parched vegetation, sending dark plumes of smoke over the region as strong winds fueled its expansion.

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Raging Hughes Fire Threatens Communities and Environment Near Lake Castaic

The fire ignited near Lake Castaic, a popular recreational area approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the areas already devastated by the Eaton and Palisades fires. Within hours, the Hughes Fire had scorched over 15 square miles (39 square kilometers) of forest and brush, prompting the evacuation of more than 31,000 people. An additional 23,000 residents remain under evacuation warnings, according to LA County Sheriff Robert Luna.

Firefighters are battling to contain the blaze, with LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone noting that the fire has been challenging to control, although they are making some progress. “We are getting the upper hand,” Marrone said.

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Interstate 5 shut down

The Hughes Fire advanced across hilltops and descended into wooded canyons, forcing authorities to close a 30-mile stretch of Interstate 5, one of California’s critical north-south routes. Fire crews on the ground, aided by aircraft dropping water, scrambled to prevent the fire from leaping the interstate and threatening nearby communities, including Castaic.

Winds in the area were gusting at speeds of up to 42 mph (67 kph) in the afternoon, and forecasters warned that gusts could intensify to 60 mph (96 kph) by late Wednesday and into Thursday. The National Weather Service posted updates on social media platform X, advising that dangerous conditions could persist for several days.