Thousands Under Evacuation Orders From Hughes Fire as Another Erupts in Southern California

As fierce Santa Ana winds fanned the flames, the Hughes Fire erupted near Castaic Lake in northern Los Angeles County on Wednesday morning, forcing over 31,000 residents to evacuate their homes. The blaze, which started around 10:30 AM on January 22, 2025, rapidly spread across the drought-stricken landscape, consuming more than 30 acres per minute at its peak intensity.

By early Thursday morning, the fire had grown to over 10,000 acres, prompting immediate evacuation orders for areas near Lake Hughes Road. Multiple communities, including CAS-BISCAILUZ, CAS-INDUSTRY, and CAS-LIVEOAK, received evacuation warnings. The warnings also extended to neighborhoods that were previously affected by the Palisades Fire, with special emphasis on residents with pets and livestock. Retired Fire Captain Bob Goldman urged residents to remain evacuation ready if they detect any smoke in their vicinity. Over 476 inmates were safely relocated from Pitchess Detention Center as a precautionary measure.

The fire’s rapid spread led to significant transportation disruptions across the region. Officials closed Interstate 5 due to the fire’s proximity, while Ridge Route Road was shut down at Lake Hughes and Templin Highway. Additional closures included Lake Hughes Road at Pine Canyon and Dry Gulch at San Francisquito Canyon Road.

Adding to the region’s challenges, a separate fire outbreak, known as the Sepulveda Fire, began affecting traffic on the 405 Freeway. Students from North Lake Elementary were evacuated to the Castaic Sports Complex for their safety. The dual fires stretched emergency resources as firefighters worked to protect lives and property on multiple fronts.

The Angeles National Forest and LA County Fire established a unified command to coordinate their response to the Hughes Fire. They deployed water-dropping aircraft to combat the flames, but their efforts were hampered by challenging weather conditions. A red flag warning remained in effect for parts of Los Angeles County, with Santa Ana winds expected to continue through Thursday.

The critically dry brush in the area contributed to the fire’s rapid spread, creating dangerous conditions for both residents and firefighters. While the cause of the Hughes Fire remains under investigation, officials are focusing their immediate efforts on containment and ensuring public safety.

The combination of high winds, dry vegetation, and multiple fire outbreaks has created a challenging situation for Southern California’s emergency responders. As crews work to contain both the Hughes and Sepulveda fires, thousands of displaced residents await news about when they can return to their homes.