Hughes Fire prompts mass evacuations in Northern LA County

The Hughes Fire, a rapidly spreading wildfire, has prompted evacuation orders for over 50,000 residents in Southern California, particularly impacting the Castaic area near Los Angeles. The fire, which started on Wednesday morning, has grown to encompass over 5,000 acres, burning at a rate of a football field every 2 to 3 seconds, and is currently 0% contained. Fierce winds, reaching up to 40 mph, are exacerbating the fire's spread, threatening nearby communities and infrastructure, including the Pitchess Detention Center, where partial evacuations have occurred. Interstate 5, a major freeway, has been closed due to the fire, causing significant travel disruptions. Los Angeles officials are preparing for potential rain, which could lead to mudslides in fire-impacted areas, and have issued emergency measures to mitigate environmental damage. The situation remains fluid with authorities closely monitoring the blaze and potential changes in evacuation orders.