- Firefighters battle massive wildfire north of LA as winds intensify
- Tens of thousands evacuated in an area still recovering from the previous fires
- Strong winds making efforts more difficult, 14% contained so far
Firefighters battle massive wildfire north of LA as winds intensify
A rapidly growing wildfire, known as the Hughes Fire, is threatening communities about 45 miles north of Los Angeles. The blaze has already consumed over 10,000 acres (4,000 hectares), forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents in an area still recovering from previous devastating fires.
Authorities have labelled Thursday as the “period of greatest concern,” with strong winds forecasted to make firefighting efforts more challenging. So far, crews have managed to contain 14% of the fire’s perimeter.
The wildfire is situated north of two massive ongoing blazes in Los Angeles County that have already claimed at least 28 lives and destroyed entire neighbourhoods. The National Weather Service has extended its red-flag warning for Los Angeles and Ventura counties until Friday morning due to dangerous wind conditions.
On Wednesday, more than 31,000 people were evacuated as flames and thick smoke spread across the Castaic Lake area, which includes residential neighbourhoods and schools. Firefighters continue to battle the blaze under intense and changing conditions.