A fast-moving wildfire has broken out in Los Angeles County, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate a region already grappling with the aftermath of its most devastating fires in history.
Dubbed the Hughes Fire, the blaze ignited Wednesday morning near Castaic Lake, about 45 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Located in a mountainous area near residential neighborhoods and schools, the fire quickly spread to over 10,000 acres within hours, fueled by strong winds and dry vegetation.
Despite its rapid growth, no homes or businesses have been damaged, and officials remain optimistic about containing the fire. This latest blaze comes on the heels of massive wildfires earlier this month that destroyed several neighborhoods in the area.
Local news captured dramatic scenes near the Hughes Fire, with residents hosing down their homes and gardens in an effort to safeguard their properties, while others hurried to evacuate.
Footage showed orange flames lining the mountainsides as aircraft dropped water and flame retardant to combat the rapidly spreading blaze.
Red Flag Warning
The region remains under a red flag warning through Thursday, signaling heightened fire danger due to strong winds and low-humidity conditions. Winds in the area, currently blowing at 20-30 mph, could intensify, further fanning the flames and complicating air crew operations.
Scientists attribute the increased vulnerability of the area’s grasses and shrubs to climate change, which has amplified “whiplash” shifts between dry and wet conditions. These erratic patterns have created a significant buildup of tinder-dry vegetation, fueling the devastating fires in Los Angeles County.
