A massive wildfire in Los Angeles County has forced thousands to evacuate their homes amid dangerous weather conditions.
According to CNN, more than 31,000 residents face evacuation orders as the Hughes Fire, which has already burned through 10,000 acres since its start less than two days ago, continues to threaten over 14,000 structures near Santa Clarita.
The fire, which is currently 36% contained, has prompted evacuation orders for 16,200 residents and evacuation warnings for another 38,700 people. Fire crews made significant progress overnight in establishing containment lines, benefiting from calmer wind conditions.
Two additional fires erupted Thursday afternoon in San Diego County. The Border 2 Fire in the Otay Mountain Wilderness doubled in size within an hour, spreading across 600 acres and threatening critical communication infrastructure. Meanwhile, firefighters continue battling the Gilman Fire in the same region.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation allocating $2.5 billion in aid to support response and recovery efforts. The package includes $4 million for local governments to rebuild homes and $1 million to support affected school districts.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain Sheila Kelliher Berkoh described the situation to CNN:
They put a lot of work in and did an incredible job really knocking the heat out of this fire. And those winds definitely laid down a bit, which helped us get the upper hand on this fire.
The National Weather Service has extended a red-flag warning through Friday morning for most of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The combination of dry vegetation and Santa Ana winds creates perfect conditions for fire spread.
A weekend forecast predicting significant rainfall brings mixed reactions from emergency responders. While the moisture could help combat the fires, it also poses risks of mudslides and debris flows in burn-scarred areas.
The expected rainfall of up to three-quarters of an inch would be more than Los Angeles has received in the past six months combined. However, the burnt ground's reduced absorption capacity increases the risk of flash flooding and mudslides.
Local authorities have implemented various emergency protocols, including the partial evacuation of a Castaic county jail housing over 4,000 inmates. Several schools in the affected areas have also suspended operations, with students being moved to safer locations.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a windblown dust and ash advisory through Thursday evening. Officials recommend residents wear N95 or P100 masks when outdoors due to compromised air quality from fire particles.
Mayor Karen Bass has taken preemptive action against potential rain-related hazards. Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella stated:
As the rain approaches LA County, Public Works will mobilize 24/7 storm patrols. All flood control dams and channels have been prepared for storm, and stormwater capture facilities prepared to operate.
The Hughes Fire represents the latest challenge in a devastating month for Southern California, following the Palisades and Eaton fires that have collectively claimed 28 lives and destroyed over 16,100 structures since January 7. While weekend rain offers hope for containment, it also brings the threat of mudslides, and toxic debris flows in fire-ravaged areas. Emergency services remain on high alert, coordinating evacuation efforts and preparing for potential weather-related complications in the coming days.
