Fast-growing wildfire erupts near Los Angeles
A new fast-spreading wildfire has erupted in Los Angeles County, prompting evacuations in a region already battling the most devastating blaze in its history.
The Hughes Fire broke out Wednesday afternoon north of the city, near Castaic Lake in a hilly area that borders several residential areas and schools.
The fire, out of control due to strong winds, spread to more than 5,000 acres in just two hours. No homes or businesses were damaged.
The new fire is burning north of two massive blazes — which are still burning — that destroyed swaths of Los Angeles County earlier this month.
Two other fires broke out to the south near San Diego and Oceanside, officials said.
They’re both small — 85 acres for the Lilac Fire near Oceanside and 3.9 acres for the Bernardo Fire — but were burning in populated areas. Firefighters appear to have both fires under control and evacuation orders have mostly been lifted and further progress halted.
In Los Angeles County, local news showed people near the Hughes fire flooding their homes and yards and others rushing to evacuate neighborhoods.
Orange flames engulf the mountains The plane dropped water and flame retardant,
The area is once again under a red flag warning, warning of high fire danger due to strong winds and dry, low-moisture conditions.
Winds in the area are averaging about 20 to 30 mph, but winds are expected to remain strong throughout the day, which could cause the fire to grow and make it more difficult for air crews to continue their fight from above.
A woman who evacuated her home told NBC 4 she was stranded on Interstate 5, a major highway that passes through the area and leads north and south through California.
“It looked like a cloud, but as you got closer, it looked like we were going to hell,” she said of the black smoke and red flames. “To be honest, it was very scary to talk to you.”
She admitted she was in shock after watching the nearby Palisades and Eaton fires, which killed at least 28 people and destroyed more than 10,000 homes and businesses.
“I don’t know why they keep coming up,” he said. “It’s definitely a scary time in this area.”
