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Published on January 22, 2025
Hughes Fire Scorches 5,000 Acres in Castaic, Thousands Evacuated as Santa Ana Winds Intensify BlazeSource: Famartin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As fierce Santa Ana winds whip through Southern California, the Hughes Fire near Castaic has now consumed over 5,000 acres, leading to a frenzy of mandatory evacuations and school closures. According to NBC Los Angeles, the fire erupted Wednesday morning, igniting amid critically dry brush, and has been propelled by winds gusting between 10 to 20 miles per hour, with stronger winds predicted into the evening.

Authorities are scrambling to mitigate the damage as CBS News reports the fire's rapid expansion forced evacuations in areas such as Castaic Lake, Ridge Route, and Paradise Ranch. The current evacuation zone maps and lists of road closures are accessible online to aid affected residents. Amid these chaotic conditions, Northlake Hills Elementary found an immediate need to evacuate, prompting parents to collect their children from various safe locations provided by the Castaic Union School District.

The intensity of the firefighting efforts is apparent as water-dropping aircraft take strategic action against the flames. As mentioned by NBC Los Angeles, "They're going to take advantage of this time," observed fire and safety expert Chief Sam DiGiovanni regarding the deployment of the aircraft before the wind conditions became more severe. Meanwhile, the I-5 freeway faces a serious threat of closure due to the dense smoke encroaching on the roadway.

The broader context of this wildfire crisis reflects an enduring drought and a series of relentless fires that have devastated Los Angeles County. Earlier this month, the Eaton and Palisades fires ravaged the area, claiming 28 lives and destroying countless structures. Amid this, ABC7 notes the Angeles National Forest remains closed to minimize the risk to public safety, while red flag warnings have been extended, reflecting the ongoing critical fire conditions across the region.