A wildfire known as the Hughes Fire has erupted near Castaic Lake, about 40 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, forcing more than 31,000 people to evacuate. The fire started early Wednesday morning and quickly spread, growing to over 10,000 acres by nightfall.
Evacuations Underway
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for communities around Castaic Lake, including the town of Castaic. Another 23,000 residents have been told to be ready to leave if conditions worsen. So far, no homes or structures have been damaged, but the fire’s rapid growth has put many at risk. Parts of Interstate 5, a major highway in the area, were briefly shut down but have since reopened.
Firefighters on the Front Lines
More than 4,000 firefighters are battling the Hughes Fire, and calmer winds have allowed aerial crews to drop fire retardant to slow its spread. As of Thursday evening, the fire was 36% contained, but red flag warnings for critical fire weather remain in effect until Friday morning, keeping authorities on high alert.
Other Fires Add to the Challenge
The Hughes Fire isn’t the only blaze in Southern California. Two smaller fires broke out on Thursday in San Diego County. The Gilman Fire, near UC San Diego, burned two acres before being quickly contained. However, another fire in the Otay Mountains grew to 300 acres and spread rapidly, according to CalFire officials.
What’s Next
There’s hope that rain expected this weekend could help firefighters, but it also raises the risk of mudslides in areas recently burned by the fires. Officials are urging residents to stay informed and be ready for more evacuations if needed.
