Fresh wildfire erupts near Los Angeles, forcing over 50,000 to evacuate

Los Angeles(AP)  More than 50,000 residents in Southern California have been placed under evacuation orders or warnings as a massive and fast-moving wildfire broke out in the rugged mountains north of Los Angeles. The Hughes Fire, which erupted on Wednesday morning, rapidly spread through parched vegetation, sending dark plumes of smoke over the region as strong winds fueled its expansion.The fire ignited near Lake Castaic, a popular recreational area approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the areas already devastated by the Eaton and Palisades fires. Within hours, the Hughes Fire had scorched over 15 square miles (39 square kilometers) of forest and brush, prompting the evacuation of more than 31,000 people. An additional 23,000 residents remain under evacuation warnings, according to LA County Sheriff Robert Luna.

Authorities are battling to contain the fire, with LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone noting that the blaze has been challenging to control, although some progress is being made. “Firefighters are getting the upper hand,” Marrone said.A 30-mile stretch of Interstate 5, one of California’s critical north-south routes, was closed as the Hughes Fire advanced across hilltops and descended into wooded canyons. Fire crews on the ground, aided by aircraft dropping water, scrambled to prevent the fire from leaping the interstate and threatening nearby communities, including Castaic.

Winds in the area were gusting at speeds of up to 42 mph (67 kph) in the afternoon, and forecasters warned that gusts could intensify to 60 mph (96 kph) by late Wednesday and into Thursday. The National Weather Service posted updates on social media platform X, advising that dangerous conditions could persist for several days.

As the Hughes Fire surged closer to residential areas, locals rushed to protect their homes. Kayla Amara, a nurse from nearby Valencia, arrived in Castaic’s Stonegate neighborhood to collect belongings from a friend’s house. “As I was packing the car, I learned the fire had exploded in size,” she said. Amara, along with others in the neighborhood, began hosing down the property, hoping to minimize potential damage.“Everyone is stressed. It’s been worrying enough with the other fires, but now this one is so close to home,” Amara added.

While parts of Southern California grappled with relentless fires, Los Angeles officials began preparations for another threat — rain. The National Weather Service predicted gusty winds through Thursday, with the potential for rain by the weekend. As a result, authorities are taking steps to mitigate the risk of mudslides and debris flows in recently burned areas.Supervisor Kathryn Barger warned of the dual risks during a Wednesday news conference: “Rain is in the forecast, and the threat of mud and debris flows in our fire-impacted communities is very real.”

To the south, some residents were allowed to return to the charred Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas. However, fire officials continue to monitor for hotspots that could reignite, especially given the critical fire weather warnings extended through Friday morning in LA and Ventura counties.

As the Santa Ana winds sweep across Southern California, there are growing concerns over the impact of ash and air quality. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged residents to check the city’s website for guidance on how to protect themselves from toxic air during the ongoing wind event. LA County’s public health director, Barbara Ferrer, highlighted the dangers, noting that ash from the fires could contain harmful materials such as heavy metals and arsenic.

“Even brief exposure to ash can cause skin irritation and potentially lead to more serious health problems,” Ferrer said, advising residents to wear protective gear when cleaning up in affected areas.Southern California has been under siege from wildfires since early January. The Palisades and Eaton fires, both ignited on January 7, have already claimed at least 28 lives and destroyed over 14,000 structures. Firefighters have made headway in containing the blazes, with the Palisades Fire now 68% contained and the Eaton Fire 91% under control.However, officials remain on high alert. “There’s still a lot of work to do,” said Sheriff Luna, who confirmed that his department is investigating 22 active missing person reports, all involving adults in the fire zones

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