Additional Coverage:
- Fast-moving Hughes Fire erupts in Los Angeles County as California officials order evacuations (foxnews.com)
Castaic, CA – A rapidly spreading wildfire, dubbed the Hughes Fire, forced tens of thousands of Los Angeles County residents to evacuate Wednesday. The fire ignited near the town of Castaic, northwest of Los Angeles.
By late Wednesday night, the fire had consumed over 10,000 acres. Firefighters reported 14% containment, and thankfully, no structures have been damaged or destroyed. Over 4,000 personnel are battling the blaze.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone attributed the fire’s rapid growth to ongoing red flag warning conditions. While the fire remains challenging, Chief Marrone expressed optimism about gaining control.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed that evacuation orders and warnings impacted over 50,000 residents. Sections of Interstate 5 were temporarily closed but reopened later Wednesday night.
Earlier, California Fire officials issued urgent evacuation orders for residents near Castaic Lake, Paradise Ranch, and the Ridge Route. These orders emphasized the immediate life-threatening danger and legally restricted public access to the area.
Evacuations also extended to residents east of Lake Piru in Ventura County and included students and staff at Castaic High School.
A separate fire near Sherman Oaks in the Sepulveda Pass also prompted concern. Although initially reported as a small fire, it grew to approximately 40 acres before firefighters stopped its forward progress. The evacuation warning for that area has been lifted.
Mayor Karen Bass urged all Angelenos to heed warnings from public safety officials, even as firefighters actively combat the blazes.
These new fires add to a devastating wildfire season in California. The Pacific Palisades fire, which began earlier this year, continues to burn and has tragically claimed lives and destroyed thousands of structures. Residents near the Hughes Fire in areas like Oak Canyon and Hungry Valley remain under evacuation warnings.