The 'Hughes Fire,' a fresh fire near Lake Castaic, breaks out days after destructive fires rampage in Los Angeles. 

According to information from CAL Fire, this blaze has already consumed 9,400 acres of land and is presently at zero percent containment. With firefighters fighting the dangerous wildfire, more than 50,000 Californians have been ordered to evacuate.

Where is the fire and how did it start?

The Hughes Fire broke out late Wednesday morning near Lake Castaic, a popular recreation area located about 40 kilometers from Los Angeles. Two more active fires, the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire, which have been burning for weeks now, have already affected this region.

The smoke from the Hughes Fire could be seen rising into the sky, adding to the chaos caused by other fires in Southern California.

Updates on the ongoing fires

According to CAL Fire, here’s how the other fires in the region are progressing:

Palisades Fire: Burned 23,448 acres and is now 68% contained.

Eaton Fire: Burned 14,021 acres and is 91% contained.

Lilac Fire (San Diego): 95% contained.

Clay Fire (Riverside): 45% contained.

In San Diego County, a new fire called the Center Fire has also started, burning four acres of land as of Wednesday.

Firefighters are working to stop it. CAL Fires director Joe Tyler commended the fast reaction to the Hughes Fire during a media briefing. Tyler said, This fire had a robust response today, and as you can see behind us, the responders are doing great work to try to contain this fire,” However he added, “Certainly, we are not out of the woods yet.”

Due to the less windy conditions before in the day, firefighters were able to dump tens of thousands of gallons of fire retardant to slow the flames. Still, the fight is far from over since forecasts predict deteriorating weather.

The National Weather Service (NWS) cautioned that the fires could be even more difficult to restrain if hit by strong winds. Gusts are expected to reach speeds of up to 60 mph by late Wednesday and possibly 70 mph by Thursday. 

The area will be under “critical fire weather conditions” caused by these strong winds combined with low humidity and dry air.

Residents near the fires are doing whatever they can to protect their homes. Kayla Amara, a nurse from Valencia, went to her friend’s house in the Stonegate neighborhood of Castaic to help collect belongings. While there, she grabbed a water hose to try and douse the flames herself.

“Other people are hosing down their houses, too. I hope there’s a house here to return to,” Amara said as police cars rushed through the streets and flames engulfed nearby trees.

Amara said this one feels different since it is so near home; she has been worried about wildfires in the last few weeks. It’s just super stressful,” she said.

Karen Bass, Los Angeles Mayor, has told citizens to remain vigilant since winds might carry ashes from the blaze. The city has shared tips on its website to help people protect themselves from toxic air.

Barbara Ferrer, director of LA County Public Health, also issued a warning. Ashes from the fires, she noted, might have nasty contents including arsenic and heavy elements. Ferrer warned people to put on protective equipment while washing ashes as even short exposure might cause skin irritation and more severe issues.

The state is still unknown as firefighters press on. Evacuation zone residents are being advised by officials to remain safe and obey instructions. The next few days will be important because the weather might change everything.