As firefighters across the Los Angeles area continue to combat wildfires that have raged for weeks, a new blaze has ignited near Castaic Lake, approximately 40 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.
The Angeles National Forest reported the fire, named the Hughes Fire, at 1:47 PM Eastern Time. Fire crews quickly responded to the brush fire, which started near Lake Hughes Road. According to ABC 7, the fire rapidly expanded, growing to over 1,000 acres within an hour of being reported.
#HughesFire
— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) January 22, 2025
Firefighters from Angeles National Forest is responding to a brush fire located off Lake Hughes Rd North of Castaic Reservoir Rd, Castaic. pic.twitter.com/vPWApNoiZa
Authorities have issued evacuation orders for the area surrounding Castaic Lake, impacting an estimated population of three, according to Los Angeles County officials. Additionally, evacuation warnings are in place for nearby regions housing thousands of residents. These warnings urge people to prepare to leave at a moment’s notice if conditions worsen.
Emergency personnel and resources, including air and ground crews, are actively working to contain the fire. The speed and intensity of the Hughes Fire highlight the ongoing challenges firefighters face as they battle multiple blazes fueled by dry conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds.
Southern California’s wildfire season has been particularly severe this year, with weeks of persistent blazes straining firefighting resources. The new fire near Castaic Lake underscores the unpredictable nature of these incidents, as well as the urgent need for residents in affected areas to stay informed and heed evacuation orders promptly.
This is a developing story. Please refresh the page for the latest updates as more information becomes available.