New LA wildfire prompts 30,000 evacuations near Santa Clarita - Hughes Fire almost under control
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Last Updated January 23, 10:30 am Pacific Time:
As of January 23, 2025, the Hughes Fire near Santa Clarita, California, had expanded to over 10,000 acres, prompting mandatory evacuations for approximately 31,000 residents.
The wildfire ignited on January 22 near Lake Hughes Road in Castaic and has been fuelled by strong Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph.
In response, over 4,000 firefighters have been deployed, utilizing both ground and aerial resources to combat the blaze.
Despite the fire's rapid spread, there have been no reported casualties or structural damages as of now.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Evacuation orders encompass areas surrounding Castaic Lake, with additional warnings issued for nearby communities.
Authorities have also initiated the relocation of prison inmates from the Pitchess Detention Center as a precautionary measure.
The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings for the region, citing low humidity and persistent strong winds, which are expected to continue through Friday.
While anticipated rainfall over the weekend may aid firefighting efforts, it also raises concerns about potential mudslides in areas affected by the fire.
Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and adhere to evacuation orders and safety guidelines.
Los Angeles firefighters battle new blaze north-west of city
Firefighters Gain Ground on New L.A. Wildfire After Rapid Spread
Hughes Fire Forces Mass Evacuations in Los Angeles County
Original post from January 22:
A rapidly spreading wildfire, designated the Hughes Fire, ignited near Castaic Lake in Los Angeles County on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The fire quickly expanded to over 5,000 acres within hours, prompting mandatory evacuations and road closures in the surrounding areas.
The fire was first reported around 10:45 a.m. near Lake Hughes Road, just north of Castaic Reservoir Road. By 12:30 p.m., it had consumed approximately 3,407 acres with 0% containment. By 1:03 p.m., the affected area had increased to 5,054 acres, still with no containment.
In response to the escalating situation, authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents in the vicinity, including parts of the unincorporated community of Castaic, located about 15 miles northwest of Santa Clarita. The California Highway Patrol also closed offramps along Interstate 5 to facilitate firefighting efforts and ensure public safety.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department, in unified command with the U.S. Forest Service, has deployed numerous resources to combat the fire. However, strong winds, with gusts forecasted to reach 40 to 50 mph at higher elevations, coupled with low humidity and dry vegetation, have exacerbated firefighting efforts.
A red flag warning remains in effect through Thursday due to these critical fire weather conditions.
This incident follows a series of devastating wildfires in the region earlier this month, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, which collectively burned over 37,000 acres, destroyed more than 15,000 structures, and resulted in at least 28 fatalities.
Containment efforts for these fires have progressed, allowing some residents to return home. Nonetheless, authorities continue to emphasize the importance of adhering to evacuation orders and staying informed about current fire conditions.
Residents are urged to monitor official channels for updates and to follow guidance from local authorities to ensure their safety during this ongoing emergency.
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