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Over 50,000 Residents Face Evacuation as Wildfire Threatens Homes Near Los Angeles

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Over 50,000 under evacuation orders or warnings as wildfire imperils homes north of Los Angeles


LOS ANGELES — A significant wildfire, dubbed the Hughes Fire, erupted on Wednesday morning, quickly consuming over 15 square miles of brush and trees near Lake Castaic, about 40 miles from previous fires that have ravaged the area for weeks.

As the blaze spread, more than 50,000 residents received evacuation orders or warnings. However, officials reported that a swift and coordinated ground and aerial response was helping to control the situation better than in recent weeks. “The situation that we’re in today is very different from the situation we were in 16 days ago,” Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone stated.

Firefighters have not reported any structural damage. Cal Fire director Joe Tyler highlighted the rapid response efforts, acknowledging the ongoing risks. Some 31,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate, with an additional 23,000 under warnings.

Part of Interstate 5, closed to allow emergency vehicles access, has since reopened. Firefighting teams utilized aircraft to drop tens of thousands of gallons of fire retardant, significantly bolstering their defensive efforts. The winds, which reached gusts of up to 42 mph, were projected to escalate to 60 mph later in the evening, complicating the firefighting efforts.

Local resident Kayla Amara expressed her distress while collecting belongings for a friend: “I hope there’s a house here to return to,” she commented, glancing at the flames engulfing nearby hills. Her sentiment echoed the anxiety felt by many in the area following multiple wildfires in recent weeks.

As fire crews continue tackling the Hughes Fire, officials are also preparing for potential rain in the southern regions of Los Angeles. Supervisor Kathryn Barger warned of mudslides and debris flows likely to follow any precipitation, especially affecting recently burned areas. Firefighters are filling sandbags, and municipal workers are clearing drainage systems in anticipation of the rain.

Red flag warnings for critical fire risks were extended through Friday morning in LA and Ventura counties. Concerns linger regarding the containment of the already blazes of the Palisades and Eaton fires, which together have resulted in numerous fatalities and destroyed thousands of structures since January 7.

LA Mayor Karen Bass urged residents to stay informed about air quality risks, given potential ash fallout during current Santa Ana wind conditions. Public health officials warned that the ash could pose severe health risks, urging protective measures for cleanup efforts.

The ongoing investigation into the causes of the Palisades and Eaton fires continues, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms actively examining the circumstances. Lawsuits are surfacing against utility companies, alleging negligence in equipment maintenance leading to the devastating fires.