A new, fast-moving wildfire has broken out in Los Angeles County, prompting evacuations in an area already reeling from the most destructive fires in its history.
The Hughes Fire broke out north of the city on Wednesday afternoon near Castaic Lake in a mountainous area bordering several residential areas and schools.
The out-of-control fire spread to more than 5,000 acres in just two hours, fueled by strong winds. No homes or businesses were damaged.
The new blaze is burning just north of the two massive blazes — which are still burning — that destroyed several neighborhoods in Los Angeles County earlier this month.
Two other fires were burning further south near San Diego and Oceanside, officials said.
Both were smaller — 85 acres for the Lilac Fire near Oceanside and 3.9 acres for the Bernardo Fire — but they were burning in populated areas. It appears that the fire brigades were able to control the two fires, and evacuation orders were mostly lifted and forward progress stopped.
In Los Angeles County, local news showed people near the Hughes Fire flooding their homes and yards while others rushed to evacuate neighborhoods.
Orange flames lined the mountains as The planes dropped water and flame retardant.
The area is once again under a red flag warning, which warns of high fire risk due to strong winds, dry conditions and low humidity.
Winds in the area are gusting at about 20 to 30 mph but are expected to intensify throughout the day, which could allow the fire to grow and make it difficult for flight crews to continue their battle from above.
A woman who evacuated her home told NBC 4 she was stuck on Interstate 5, a major highway that runs through the area and runs north and south across California.
“It looked like a cloud, but when I got closer, it looked like we were walking toward hell,” she said of the dark smoke and red flames she saw. “It was pretty terrifying to be honest with you.”
She admitted she was on edge after watching the Palisades and Eaton fires burn nearby, killing at least 28 people and destroying more than 10,000 homes and businesses.
“I don’t know why they keep showing up,” she said. “It's definitely a scary time in this area.”
