Southern California faces another wildfire crisis as two new infernos force 31,000 residents to evacuate. The Hughes Fire, which started Wednesday (January 22) near Castaic Lake, has already burned over 10,000 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. As of Thursday morning, it was only 14% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
The fire, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, has prompted evacuation orders for 31,000 people and warnings for an additional 23,000. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed the evacuations, while Cal Fire Battalion Chief David Acuna reported no structural damage or injuries yet. The National Weather Service extended a red-flag warning through Friday morning, citing dry conditions and potential wind gusts up to 60 mph.
The fire has also affected local infrastructure, with parts of Interstate 5 closed and air quality alerts issued for several areas. Schools and colleges in the vicinity, including Castaic Middle School and College of the Canyons, have been evacuated or closed as a precaution.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has partially evacuated a jail in Castaic, moving 470 inmates to safer facilities. Community efforts, led by local churches and residents, are underway to provide shelter and support to those displaced by the fires.