A wildfire that exploded near Castaic on Wednesday spread quickly, forcing evacuations around Castaic Lake and impacting traffic on Highway 5 as firefighters on the ground and in the air scrambled to slow the blaze’s spread. Ta.
The fire, dubbed the Hughes Fire, was reported by the Angeles National Forest just before 10:45 a.m.
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) 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) 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)
Fanned by the Santa Ana winds, they spread mainly through dry brush and trees on the east side of the lake. The fire was initially reported to be 50 acres, but could not be contained and had exploded to more than 5,000 acres by 1 p.m., according to Cal Fire.
The cause of the fire was unknown.
Officials told KTLA 5 News that about 19,000 people, including residents of Castaic, have been evacuated from communities south and west of the wildfire. Thousands more were under evacuation orders.
The evacuation zone included several schools, including Northlake Elementary School, Castaic Middle School, Castaic Elementary School, and Castaic High School. A temporary shelter was set up at Valencia High School, 27801 Dickson Drive, Valencia, CA 91355.
Road closures:
Ridge Route Road at Lake Hughes Ridge Route Road at Templin Highway Lake Hughes Pine Thin Dry Gulch San Francisco Thin Road I-5 NB at the Parker Road off-ramp and I-5 NB at the Lake Hughes Road off-ramp will be closed.
The California Highway Patrol warned that Highway 5 in the area could be closed due to the fire. As of early Wednesday afternoon, the road closure was limited to the highway exit, CHP told KTLA.
California Governor Gavin Newsom posted on social media: “State resources have been committed to the Hughes Fire in the Angeles National Forest in support of the federal response.” “We will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide the federal government with whatever it takes to extinguish this fire.”
Will Conybeare and Marc Sternfield contributed to this report. Check back for updates on this developing story.
Source link
