Massive Fire North of Los Angeles Under Control as New Blazes Ignite in Southern California

Southern California is currently facing significant fire risks as officials have issued a red flag warning that extends through Friday.

Evacuation orders were lifted Thursday for tens of thousands of residents as firefighters utilized air support to gain control over a large wildfire near Castaic, north of Los Angeles. Despite this, new fires emerged in San Diego County, briefly prompting additional evacuations.

The Hughes Fire ignited late Wednesday and rapidly scorched nearly 16 square miles of terrain near Castaic Lake, approximately 40 miles away from the ongoing Eaton and Palisades fires. By late afternoon, firefighters reported that about 25% of the Hughes Fire had been contained.

Meanwhile, two new blazes ignited in the San Diego area on Thursday. A brush fire in La Jolla, situated close to the University of California, San Diego, initially led to evacuation orders that were soon lifted. Additionally, another fire threatened the Otay Mountain Wilderness, home to endangered species including the Quino checkerspot butterfly.

In Ventura County, a fire prompted the temporary evacuation of California State University Channel Islands. However, water-dropping helicopters quickly mitigated the Laguna Fire, allowing authorities to downgrade the evacuation order to a warning.

Forecasts indicate the possibility of rain this weekend, which could finally relieve the prolonged dry conditions affecting Southern California. Winds are expected to be milder, aiding firefighting efforts as helicopters drop fire retardants and water on burning areas.

Fire spokesperson Jeremy Ruiz noted that quick interventions by helicopters prevented the Hughes Fire from escalating. “We had helicopters dropping water until around 3 a.m. That kept it in check,” he stated.

Despite progress, nearly 54,000 residents in the Castaic area remain under evacuation warnings, although no structures have been reported damaged so far. Residents like Kayla Amara expressed the stress of living in an area vulnerable to such fires.

The Palisades Fire is reported to be nearly 75% contained, while the Eaton Fire is 95% under control. These fires have tragically claimed at least 28 lives and destroyed over 14,000 structures since they began on January 7.

Rain is expected to begin Saturday, as officials prepare for the impacts of potential debris flows in recently burned areas. According to preliminary estimates, the fires have incurred at least $28 billion in insured damages, with even higher costs anticipated for uninsured losses.

In response to the ongoing crisis, California Republicans are opposing federal disaster aid proposals that suggest conditions be attached. The state Legislature approved a fire relief package worth over $2.5 billion to assist Los Angeles in recovery efforts.

President Trump is scheduled to visit California Friday to survey the damage; it remains unclear if he will meet with Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom during his trip.

The article has been updated to reference Castaic Lake correctly, correcting the previously used term Lake Castaic.