LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – Residents south and west of Castaic Lake scrambled Wednesday to flee the path of the Hughes Fire, which burned more than 5,000 acres in less than three hours.
Fire officials said the fire was first reported shortly before 11 a.m. near Hughes Lake and the road of the same name.
Evacuation orders and warnings were issued quickly, and the flames spread as they burned through dry brush in dangerously low humidity and strong Santa Ana winds.
Several residents of Pinecrest Place in Castaic took a moment to quickly pack their belongings into their cars to speak with KTLA 5’s Elina Abovian, including a young man who was helping his mother.
Law enforcement officials speak with residents under evacuation orders due to the Hughes Fire in Castaic, Jan. 22, 2025. Sky5 view of the Hughes Fire next to Castaic Lake. January 22, 2025. (KTLA) The Hughes Fire next to Castaic Lake as seen from Sky 5. January 22, 2025 (KTLA)
The young man told KTLA that despite the emergency situation, he was “kind of horrified” but was praying his house didn’t burn down.
“We’re getting ready to leave and probably going to my grandmother’s house in Frazier Park,” he said, adding that he first noticed the flames when he woke up at 11 a.m.
Another man said he would stay at home as much as possible.
“We’re going to water the roof and the backyard. There’s dry brush over there,” said a man whose son attends the currently evacuated Castaic High School.
Photo: Hughes Fire threatens Castaic
Another evacuee, speaking from his girlfriend’s home, said he was focused on getting important documents and family heirlooms and turning on the home’s sprinklers.
“The road was closed so I had to drive several miles to get here,” the man said. “It’s okay. But I just want to make sure I get all my pets and the most important things…material things aren’t that important.”
You can see the Hughes Fire next to Castaic Lake from Sky5. January 22, 2025. (KTLA) The Hughes Fire next to Castaic Lake as seen from Sky 5. January 22, 2025. (KTLA) The Hughes Fire next to Castaic Lake as seen from Sky 5. January 22, 2025. (KTLA) The Hughes Fire next to Castaic Lake as seen from Sky 5. January 22, 2025. (KTLA) Fire helicopters attack the Hughes Fire near Castaic, California. January 22, 2025. (KTLA) The Hughes Fire next to Castaic Lake as seen from Sky 5. January 22, 2025 (KTLA)
A woman named Martha told KTLA that her only concern was for her family.
“We’ll be fine. That’s all I need,” Martha said. “I come home from work and my neighbors are helping me. They’re great.”
Law enforcement officers went door-to-door in the neighborhood, encouraging residents to leave. They cannot be forced to evacuate.
Interactive 3D map shows fuse fire boundaries, evacuation zones
For the latest information on the Hughes Fire, click here.
A map of evacuation zones can be found here and a list of shelters for evacuated residents and animals can be found here.
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