A fast-moving wildfire, named the Hughes Fire, erupted in the rugged mountains north of LosAngeles on Wednesday, prompting evacuation orders for over 31,000 residents and warnings for an additional 23,000, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.
The fire rapidly scorched nearly 40 square kilometers of trees and brush, sending massive plumes of dark smoke into the sky near Lake Castaic, a popular recreation area located about 65 kilometers from the ongoing Eaton and Palisades fires.
The evacuations come as Southern California continues to face dangerous dry winds, with potential relief expected from rain later in the week.