Recent Wildfire in Los Angeles Expands Beyond 500 Acres
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Synopsis
On January 23, a rapidly spreading brush fire in Los Angeles County has engulfed over 500 acres with no containment in sight. The fire, referred to as Hughes Fire, has prompted immediate evacuation orders in the surrounding areas amid ongoing firefighting efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Hughes Fire has burned over 500 acres.
- Evacuation orders have been issued for Castaic Lake and nearby regions.
- Previous fires in the area caused 28 fatalities.
- Firefighting efforts include aerial support with Super Scoopers.
- Authorities urge immediate evacuation for safety.
Los Angeles, Jan 23 (NationPress) A rapidly advancing brush fire ignited in Los Angeles County, USA, engulfing over 500 acres (2.02 square km) without any containment, as reported by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
The fire, referred to as Hughes Fire, was detected around 10:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday near Lake Hughes Road close to Castaic Lake, located approximately 80 km northwest of downtown Los Angeles, according to KTLA news channel. It escalated to this size in under one and a half hours.
Fueled by dry vegetation and driven by strong Santa Ana winds, this latest wildfire in Southern California spread swiftly, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders for the Castaic Lake area and adjacent remote canyon regions, as reported by Xinhua.
This month, Los Angeles County has faced several devastating fires.
The Palisades and Eaton fires, the most significant in the most populated county of the US, have resulted in 28 fatalities, triggered numerous mandatory evacuations, and led to the destruction of thousands of structures.
This incident marks the latest in a series of fires that began affecting the greater Los Angeles area starting January 7. The initial fire, the Palisades Fire, wreaked havoc on the affluent community of Pacific Palisades, while another major fire, the Eaton Fire, devastated large areas in the foothill city of Altadena.
A total of 11 people lost their lives in the Palisades Fire, and 17 in the Eaton Fire, with both communities suffering massive destruction, leaving many residents in search of new shelters.
The Palisades and Eaton fires are currently 68% and 91% contained, respectively, following over two weeks of extensive firefighting efforts.
Robert Jensen from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department urged all individuals in the vicinity of the new fire to evacuate without delay.
"We have witnessed the devastation caused by individuals ignoring evacuation orders during the Palisades and Eaton fires. I want to avoid a similar situation in our community. If you have received an evacuation order, please evacuate now," he stated.
Authorities were seen patrolling the area, advising residents to leave as the fire advanced.
Footage depicted helicopters and planes releasing water and fire retardant over the fire.
The aerial fleet included two Super Scoopers, large amphibious aircraft capable of carrying hundreds of gallons of water.
Firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Angeles National Forest were also deployed on the ground to combat the blaze.
The precise cause of the fire remains unknown; however, it ignited under red flag conditions when strong winds and low humidity facilitate rapid fire spread.
