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A new fast-moving fire has broken out in Los Angeles County, prompting evacuations in a region already reeling from the effects of one of the most devastating wildfires in its history.
The Hughes fire broke out on the north side of the city Wednesday afternoon near Castaic Lake, a hilly area bordered by several residences and a school.
The uncontrolled fire has grown to more than 5,000 hectares in two hours driven by strong winds. No homes or businesses were damaged.
The new fire is just north of two devastating wildfires that ravaged several neighborhoods in Los Angeles County earlier this month.
Two other fires have broken out further south near San Diego and Oceanside, officials said.
Both are smaller — 85 acres for the Lila fire near Oceanside and 3.9 acres for the Bernardo fire — but they burned in populated areas. Fire crews said they had a handle on both fires and evacuation orders were mostly lifted and moved on.
In Los Angeles County, local news reports showed people near the Hughes fire flooding their homes and yards and others rushing to evacuate neighborhoods.
Like orange flames in the mountains planes dropped water and fire retardant.
The region is once again under a red flag warning, which warns of a high fire risk due to strong winds and low dry and wet conditions.
Winds in the area are around 20 to 30 km/h, but are expected to strengthen throughout the day, which could allow the fire to grow and make it difficult for air crews to continue fighting from above.
A woman who evacuated her home told NBC 4 she was stuck on Interstate 5, a major highway that cuts through the area and runs north and south from California.
“It looked like a cloud, but as you got closer, it looked like we were driving into hell,” he said of the dark smoke and red flames he saw. “It was pretty scary to be honest with you.”
He acknowledged his anger after watching the nearby Palisades and Eaton fires burn, killing at least 28 people and destroying more than 10,000 homes and businesses.
“I don’t know why they keep showing up,” he said. “It’s definitely a scary time in this area.”
