The Hughes Fire in northern Los Angeles County has intensified, leading to thousands of evacuations in Southern California. With strong Santa Ana winds and extremely dry conditions, the region remains at high risk for wildfires. Firefighters and emergency services are working around the clock to control the spread and protect residents.
Thousands Evacuated as Hughes Fire Spreads
On Wednesday, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported that 31,000 people had been ordered to evacuate their homes, while 23,000 others were under evacuation warnings. The wildfire is rapidly spreading due to low humidity and strong winds, making firefighting efforts challenging.
The National Weather Service Los Angeles (NWS Los Angeles) warned on X (formerly Twitter), stating,
“This is a DANGEROUS fire day TODAY. Winds will continue to increase and expand this morning. Humidity is already extremely dry.”
These conditions follow critical fire weather that fueled the Palisades and Eaton Fires, which have already burned 38,000 acres combined.
Current Wildfire Status in Southern California
Cal Fire is currently monitoring five major active wildfires in the region:
| Fire Name | County | Acres Burned | Containment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palisades Fire | Los Angeles | 23,448 acres | 72% contained |
| Eaton Fire | Los Angeles | 14,021 acres | 95% contained |
| Hughes Fire | Los Angeles & Ventura | 10,176 acres | 14% contained |
| Laguna Fire | Ventura | 50 acres | 0% contained |
| Sepulveda Fire | Los Angeles | 45 acres | 60% contained |
| Clay Fire | Riverside | 39 acres | 70% contained |
Although Eaton, Sepulveda, Clay, and Laguna Fires no longer have evacuation orders, the Hughes Fire remains a major threat with active mandatory evacuations in place.
Mandatory Evacuations for Hughes Fire
According to Cal Fire, the Hughes Fire is centered around Lake Hughes Road, north of Castaic Reservoir Road. Firefighters from the Angeles National Forest, Cal Fire, and other local, state, and federal agencies are working to contain the flames.
Due to an immediate threat to life, the following areas have mandatory evacuation orders:
- CAS-BISCAILUZ
- CAS-BITTERCANYON
- CAS-CASTAICLAKE
- CAS-CHARLIECANYON
- CAS-PARADISERANCH
- CAS-RIDGE
- LAC-E008, LAC-E016, LAC-E029, LAC-FRANCISQUITO
- SCL-KELLYJOHNSON, SCL-REYESADOBE, SCL-STERLING, SCL-TESORODELVALLE
Residents in these areas must leave immediately as they are legally closed to public access.
Road Closures Due to Hughes Fire
Several major roads remain closed due to fire activity, including:
- Ridge Route Road at Lake Hughes
- Ridge Route Road at Templin Highway
- Lake Hughes at Pine Canyon
- Dry Gulch at San Francisquito Canyon Road
- I-5 Northbound at Parker Road Off-Ramp
- I-5 Northbound at Lake Hughes Road Off-Ramp
- Northbound I-5 closed north of State Route 126
- I-5 Grapevine closed
Drivers should use alternate routes and stay updated on road conditions.
Casualties and Damage Report
Since the fire was discovered on January 7th, it has caused:
- 11 civilian fatalities
- 6,770 structures destroyed
- 904 structures damaged
- Over 12,000 structures threatened
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Repopulation and Curfew in Affected Areas
Some areas affected by the fire are being repopulated, and residents can return between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. under escort from officials. However, a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. remains in place.
Residents returning must check in at the Malibu Pier staging area, where Los Angeles County Fire personnel will provide further instructions and escort them home safely.
Stay Informed and Safe
Officials urge residents to stay alert and follow evacuation orders, as wildfire conditions can change rapidly. Residents should:
- Monitor updates from Cal Fire’s website and Los Angeles Fire Department’s X account.
- Sign up for emergency alerts from county officials.
- Prepare an evacuation kit with essentials, including important documents, medication, and emergency supplies.
Firefighters continue to battle the blaze, but the strong winds and dry weather make it unpredictable. Residents are advised to remain cautious and ready to evacuate if conditions worsen.
