New blaze erupts as Southern California battles rampant wildfires; 31,000 people forced to evacuate

The combined impact of the Palisades and Eaton fires has been devastating, with 28 lives lost and nearly 16,000 structures damaged or destroyed over the past two weeks.

Powerful winds and bone-dry conditions are intensifying the wildfire crisis in Southern California, challenging firefighters battling multiple blazes, including the rapidly growing Hughes Fire north of Los Angeles.

The Hughes Fire, which ignited Wednesday morning near Castaic Lake, has swelled to 10,176 acres (4,118 hectares), according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), as cited by a report by Reuters. About 31,000 people were forced to evacuate as flames and thick plumes of smoke engulfed the hilly terrain.

According to the Reuters report, more than 4,000 firefighters are working to contain the blaze, which was reported to be 14 percent under control as of Thursday. Crews are bracing for tough conditions, with Santa Ana winds reaching speeds of 50 mph (80 kph) and gusts up to 65 mph (105 kph). Humidity levels are expected to drop below 10%, exacerbating the already dangerous fire weather.

“Dangerous fire weather conditions will persist through Friday as fuels remain extremely dry and ready to burn, with Thursday the period of greatest concern,” the National Weather Service warned.

In addition to the Hughes Fire, two other major wildfires—the Eaton and Palisades fires—continue to wreak havoc. The Palisades Fire, on the west side of Los Angeles, has consumed 23,450 acres (9,490 hectares) and is 70 percent contained. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire, east of Los Angeles, has scorched 14,000 acres (5,670 hectares) and is now 95% contained.

The Hughes Fire has caused significant disruption, with helicopters scooping water from nearby lakes and airplanes dropping fire retardant on the flames, as seen in footage aired by KTLA. Eyewitness videos captured the skies north of Los Angeles glowing orange as the fire rapidly expanded.

Smaller fires have also added to the chaos. Reuters report adds that the Sepulveda Fire, burning near the Getty Museum along the 405 Freeway, briefly caused highway closures and overnight evacuations. The brush fire, spanning 40 acres (16 hectares), remains 0% contained.

The combined impact of the Palisades and Eaton fires has been devastating, with 28 lives lost and nearly 16,000 structures damaged or destroyed over the past two weeks.

Southern California’s prolonged dry spell—nine months without significant rain—has created hazardous conditions. However, rain forecasted from Saturday through Monday could offer much-needed relief for firefighters.

Cal Fire officials are urging residents to stay alert and adhere to evacuation orders as conditions remain unpredictable.