Hughes Fire Blazes North Of Castaic: Evacuations Underway, Updates Live

Fire Blazes North Of Castaic

A growing wildfire forced evacuations just north of Los Angeles on Thursday, consuming hundreds of acres and threatening hundreds of homes.

The Hughes fire broke out just after 1 p.m. near the community of Santa Clarita, about 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles in Los Angeles County. By 4 p.m., the fire had scorched over 1,300 acres and was just 5% contained, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered for parts of Castaic, Val Verde, and surrounding areas. Hundreds of people were under evacuation orders, and the American Red Cross set up an evacuation center at a Valencia church.

Firefighting Efforts

More than 350 firefighters were on scene battling the blaze, aided by 11 helicopters and seven air tankers. The fire was being fueled by dry brush and winds gusting up to 25 mph, making it difficult for firefighters to contain.

Impact On The Community

The fire has had a significant impact on the community. Several roads were closed, including the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway, and several schools were closed in the area. The fire has also caused significant air pollution, with the South Coast Air Quality Management District issuing an air quality alert for the region.

Air Quality Concerns

Evacuations

Residents in these areas should leave immediately and follow the instructions of local law enforcement. The LACFD has set up an evacuation center at the Valencia Church of Christ, located at 23311 W. Valencia Boulevard.

Closure of 14 Freeway, Local Roads

In addition to the freeway closure, several local roads have also been closed, including:

Motorists should be aware of these closures and plan their routes accordingly.

School Closures

Parents and students should check with the LAUSD website for updates on school closures.

Other Impacts

The fire has also caused other impacts to the community, including:

Residents should be prepared for these outages and take necessary precautions.

Conclusion

The Hughes fire is a serious and evolving situation. Firefighters are working hard to contain the fire, but it is still growing. Residents in the affected areas should follow the instructions of local law enforcement and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.