A rapidly spreading wildfire is tearing through the mountains north of Los Angeles, forcing over 50,000 residents to flee their homes. The Hughes Fire, which ignited Wednesday morning near Lake Castaic, has already scorched more than 15 square miles of terrain, sending plumes of smoke visible for miles.
Fueled by dry conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds, the fire quickly grew out of control, prompting mandatory evacuations for over 31,000 people and evacuation warnings for another 23,000, according to LA County Sheriff Robert Luna.
The blaze forced the closure of a 30-mile stretch of Interstate 5, a major north-south artery, as flames raced along hillsides and through canyons.
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Firefighters on the ground and in the air battled to prevent the fire from jumping the interstate and reaching the town of Castaic. Sheriff Luna announced that parts of I-5 would soon be reopened.
This latest fire comes as Southern California continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades fires, which have been burning for three weeks and have tragically claimed at least 28 lives. Containment on those fires is progressing, but officials remain concerned about the potential for flare-ups due to the persistent dry and windy conditions.
Adding to the challenges, Los Angeles officials are preparing for potential rain this weekend, which could bring much-needed relief but also raise the risk of mudslides and debris flows in burn scar areas. Residents are being urged to take precautions and prepare for potential evacuations.
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Red flag warnings for critical fire risk remain in effect for Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Authorities are also warning of poor air quality due to ash and smoke from the fires, advising residents to wear protective gear and limit outdoor exposure.
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