A new wildfire has erupted near Los Angeles, California, adding to the state's ongoing battle with devastating fires. Within a single day, the blaze rapidly spread to over 9,400 acres, prompting evacuation orders or warnings for more than 50,000 residents. Of these, 31,000 people were issued mandatory evacuation orders, while 23,000 received evacuation warnings, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.
Named the "Hughes Fire", the new wildfire broke out on Wednesday (Jan. 22) in the Castaic Lake area, about 80 kilometers north of Los Angeles. The fire has destroyed large swathes of trees and brush, and Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marone stated that the blaze remains largely uncontrolled. Jacob Weigley, wildfire coordinator for Central Pierce County, Washington, warned that the fire is nearing an uncontrollable state and "could go nuclear."
Most of Southern California remains under an extreme fire danger " red flag warning", with Los Angeles County, the state of California, and the US Forest Service coordinating efforts to combat the flames. Approximately 1,100 firefighters have been deployed across the region. While the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection indicated that two previously deadly wildfires in Los Angeles are gradually being contained, the Hughes Fire remains a significant threat. Weather forecasts predict rain beginning on Saturday, which could help ease the situation. Authorities are also investigating the causes of multiple California wildfires, focusing on whether human activity played a role.
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