The Hughes Fire in Los Angeles has now burned more than 10,000 acres and is only 14% contained, city fire officials said Thursday.
The Hughes Fire, which was first reported Wednesday morning, was first located in the unincorporated community of Castaic in northwest Los Angeles County. It spread quickly thanks to aggressive winds that hampered firefighting efforts for weeks.
More than 4,000 firefighters are assigned to the Hughes Fire, authorities say.
“Weather is the biggest driver of this fire and its spread right now. A red flag warning remains in effect until 10 a.m. Friday,” Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said in a statement. “The fire is still difficult to contain, even though we have the advantage.”
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A house burns as the Palisades Fire rages in Mandeville Canyon in Los Angeles, California on January 11, 2025. (REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton)
The fire forced the evacuation of about 50,000 people and caused temporary road closures on Interstate 5 on Wednesday.
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Earlier in the day, Cal Fire urged residents in several regions near the Hughes Fire to evacuate immediately, including near Castaic Lake, Paradise Ranch and Ridge Route.
“Imminent threat to life. This is a legal order to LEAVE IMMEDIATELY,” the Cal Fire warning read. “The area is legally closed to public access.”
A helicopter descends as smoke billows from the Palisades Fire in the Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles, California on January 11, 2025. (REUTERS/Daniel Dreifuss)
There were also reports of a fire in Sepulveda Pass near Sherman Oaks. Initially, it was reported that the fire was one hectare, but it Los Angeles Fire Department has since reported that all progress has been halted with the fire located at approximately 40 acres.
“Evacuation warning has been lifted. No structures damaged and no injuries reported. Firefighters will remain on scene overnight conducting cleanup operations to ensure there are no more hotspots. Traffic on the 405 Freeway is likely to remain heavy as crews and equipment work along the freeway “, says the notification.
Mayor Karen Bass says that while the fire is under control, all Angelenos should heed the warnings of public safety officials.
“Air support and other aggressive actions have been deployed to fight the new fire east of the 405,” she posted on X. “To all Angelenos in the area, please follow the instructions of public safety officials to stay safe.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass leaves a news conference as she visits a FEMA disaster recovery center following a fire in Los Angeles, California on January 14, 2025. (REUTERS/Daniel Cole)
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The new blazes come amid a deadly wildfire season in the Golden State as firefighters battle devastating blazes in Southern California for weeks.
Fox News’ Andrea Margolis contributed to this report.
