Southern California was once again enduring dangerously strong winds while two large fires continued to burn.
The Hughes Fire ignited in the early morning hours and quickly consumed 15 square miles (39 square kilometers) of trees and brush near Castaic Lake, a popular recreational spot about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the ongoing Mount Eaton. It spewed out thick smoke. The Palisades fire has been burning for three weeks now, the Associated Press reports.
“There was a strong response to this fire today, and as you can see behind us, our response crews are doing a great job of getting this fire under control,” said Cal Fire Director Joe. Tyler said at a press conference Wednesday night. We are not out of the woods yet. ”
Another sudden fire broke out in LA County. 500 acres. Contains 0%.
More than 31,000 people have been ordered to evacuate and another 23,000 have been advised to evacuate, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Malone said the blaze remains difficult to extinguish, but firefighters have the upper hand.
Luna said the portion of Interstate 5 that was closed is expected to reopen soon.
A 30-mile (48-kilometer) section of the main north-south highway was closed to make room for emergency vehicles and equipment. Ground crews and water cannons worked to stop the wind-driven fire from moving across the interstate toward Castaic.
Marrone noted that winds were not as strong as they were two weeks ago, allowing air crews to drop tens of thousands of gallons of retardant to the south side of the fire, where the flames were spreading. Wildfires are ongoing in Southern California. ”
Winds in the area were gusting 42 miles per hour (67 kilometers per hour) in the afternoon, but by late evening and Thursday they had gusted to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour), the National Weather Service said on its social platform X. ) is expected to increase.
MNA/