Thu Jan 23 22:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Rapidly Spreading Hughes Fire Forces Tens of Thousands to Evacuate Near Los Angeles

**Castaic, CA** – A new wildfire, dubbed the Hughes fire, exploded to over 10,000 acres in just hours Wednesday, prompting the evacuation of over 50,000 people in northwestern Los Angeles County. The blaze, ignited near Castaic Lake, rapidly consumed brush surrounding Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, temporarily closing a section of Interstate 5 and forcing the relocation of inmates from a nearby detention center.

While no injuries or structural damage have been reported, the fire’s rapid spread caused widespread panic, especially given the recent devastation caused by the Eaton and Palisades fires. As of late Wednesday night, the Hughes fire was 14% contained, with 4,000 firefighters battling the blaze overnight. Aerial support, deploying tens of thousands of gallons of water, significantly aided firefighting efforts.

The close proximity of the fire to the town of Castaic and the city of Santa Clarita, home to over 200,000 people, resulted in mandatory evacuation orders for some areas and warnings for others. Schools within the affected zones were closed. Santa Clarita Mayor Bill Miranda urged residents to heed evacuation orders immediately. Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized that Interstate 5, initially closed, has since reopened, but warned against unnecessary travel near the fire zone.

Despite the intense situation, Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone reported high morale among firefighters, even as many work extended shifts battling multiple simultaneous fires. The Federal Aviation Administration has implemented temporary flight restrictions to ensure the safety of firefighting aircraft, following a recent drone-related incident.

While the Hughes fire’s size is approaching that of the Eaton fire, the damage has been less severe due to the predominantly brush-covered terrain. However, the rapid growth and the ongoing threat have prompted concerns amongst residents, with many sharing stories of hasty evacuations and uncertainty about the coming night. Two FireAid concerts benefiting fire victims sold out almost instantly. The unusually high number of wildfires this January, exceeding the average by a significant margin, underscores the ongoing challenges faced by firefighters and the region.

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