Within days since a raging wildfire devastated California's Los Angeles, authorities ordered the evacuation of nearly 20,000 people on Wednesday as another massive and fast-moving wildfire swept through the rugged mountains north of Los Angeles.
The second round of blazes reportedly resulted from dangerous winds while two major previous blazes continued to smolder. This time the key location was near Lake Castaic, a popular recreation area about 64 km from the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires that are burning for a third week.
Besides issuing the evacuation order for 20,000 people, authorities also warned another 15,000 people in the area to remain prepared to leave at a moment's notice, according to the LA County Sheriff's Department.
About the wildfire
According to the Associated Press, the Hughes Fire broke out in the late morning. Within hours, the raging inferno charred nearly 21 square km of trees and brush. Moreover, a 48 km stretch of Interstate 5, a major north-south artery, was closed as flames continued to race along. Red flag warnings were issued in LA and Ventura counties on Thursday.
In an attempt to prevent the fire from spreading any further, firefighters were deployed on the ground while water-dropping aircraft tried to prevent the wind-driven fire from moving across the interstate and toward Castaic.
Authorities took prompt action
Officials remained concerned that the Palisades and Eaton fires could break their containment lines as firefighters continue watching for hot spots.
In view of the escalating situation, fire crews were seen filling sandbags for communities while county workers installed barriers and cleared drainage pipes and basins.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass warned that winds could carry ash and advised Angelenos to visit the city's website to learn how to protect themselves from toxic air during the latest Santa Ana wind event.
LA County public health director Barbara Ferrer cautioned that the ash could contain heavy metals, arsenic and other harmful materials.
"Even a brief exposure can potentially cause skin irritation and lead to more serious problems," Ferrer said on Wednesday, asking people to wear protective gear while cleaning up.
LA Wildfire: Palisade and Eaton
In the past few weeks, many in the Los Angeles neighborhoods watched their homes burn on television as raging wildfires killed many and burned thousands of homes, buildings, and structures making it one of the worst in the history of the US state. Tireless efforts have contained 68 percent of the Palisades Fire while the Eaton Fire has been contained by 91 percent.
The low humidity, bone-dry vegetation, and strong winds came as firefighters continued battling the Palisades and Eaton fires, which killed at least 28 people and destroyed more than 14,000 structures since they broke out on January 7.
