UPDATE: Southern California Fire Prompts Evacuation Orders For 50,000+ People

The Hughes Fire, which erupted on Wednesday, has prompted evacuation orders for over 50,000 people in Southern California.

The fast-moving wildfire ripped through the mountains north of Los Angeles.

“The Hughes Fire broke out in the late morning and within six hours charred about 15 square miles (39 square kilometers) of trees and brush near Lake Castaic, a popular recreation area about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires that are burning for a third week,” the Associated Press noted.

Multiple fires continue to burn in the area.

Firefighters are quickly gaining control of new wildfires as progress continues on the major wildfires impacting Southern California. Here is a summary of the major fires burning in California including the #Hughesfire #PalisadesFire #EatonFire #LilacFire #ClayFire #LAFires pic.twitter.com/MTawf2krQb

— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) January 23, 2025

From the Associated Press:

There were no reported homes or other structures burned.

“This fire had a robust response today, and as you can see behind us, the responders are doing great work to try to contain this fire,” Joe Tyler, director of Cal Fire, said. “Certainly, we are not out of the woods yet.”

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More than 31,000 people have been ordered to evacuate, and another 23,000 are under evacuation warnings, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said.

Parts of Interstate 5 that had been closed reopened Wednesday evening.

A 30-mile (48-kilometer) stretch of the major north-south artery had been closed for emergency vehicles, to move equipment and to prevent accidents due to smoke billowing across the freeway. Crews on the ground and in water-dropping aircraft tried to prevent the wind-driven fire from moving across the interstate and toward Castaic.

Hughes Fire in Los Angeles County exploded to 10,000 acres on Wednesday with zero containment because both Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass have zero clue how to prevent wildfires or minimize their damage.

Californians must be so exhausted by this persistent incompetence. pic.twitter.com/E6SbZ2Z3Y6

— Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) January 23, 2025

“The Hughes Fire north of Los Angeles continues to rage out of control, forcing more than 50,000 people to evacuate. The death toll has climbed to 28, with at least 22 still missing, as firefighters battle the inferno under 42 mph winds, which could intensify to 60 mph in the coming hours,” Mario Nawfal wrote.

“Since the fires began in early January, they have damaged or destroyed 16,000 structures, pushing insured losses to an estimated $28 billion, making this the costliest wildfire disaster in U.S. history. Fire crews are also working to contain the Palisades Fire, which remains 68% contained, and the Eaton Fire, now at 91% containment, but dry conditions and high winds continue to fuel the crisis,” he added.

OVER 50,000 ORDERED TO EVACUATE AS DEADLY LA WILDFIRES SPREAD

The Hughes Fire north of Los Angeles continues to rage out of control, forcing more than 50,000 people to evacuate. The death toll has climbed to 28, with at least 22 still missing, as firefighters battle the… https://t.co/yvy4zRGGnR pic.twitter.com/D86bMHvZtx

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 23, 2025

The National News Desk reports:

To the south, Los Angeles officials began to prepare for potential rain even as some residents were allowed to return to the charred Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas. Gusty weather was expected to last through Thursday and precipitation was possible starting Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

“Rains are in the forecast and the threat of mud and debris flow in our fire-impacted communities is real,” Supervisor Kathryn Barger said during a Wednesday morning news conference.

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Fire crews were filling sandbags for communities while county workers installed barriers and cleared drainage pipes and basins.

Red flag warnings for critical fire risk were extended through 10 a.m. Friday in LA and Ventura counties. Officials remained concerned that the Palisades and Eaton fires could break their containment lines as firefighters continue watching for hot spots.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass warned that winds could carry ash and advised Angelenos to visit the city’s website to learn how to protect themselves from toxic air during the latest Santa Ana wind event. LA County public health director Barbara Ferrer cautioned that the ash could contain heavy metals, arsenic and other harmful materials.

This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.

View the original article here.