Fifty thousand people in Los Angeles received warnings or evacuation orders because a massive wildfire, the Hughes Fire, swept through the mountains north of Los Angeles.
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The Hughes Fire began late Wednesday morning near Lake Castaic, and within six hours, the wildfire burned through an estimated 15 miles of trees and bush, according to the Associated Press. Although the area has remained under a red flag warning for fire danger, calm winds have allowed aircraft to deploy tens of thousands of gallons of fire retardant. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone reassured the public that the fire is being met with more substantial resources and favorable conditions than earlier this month’s devastating fires.
“The situation that we’re in today is very different from the situation we were in 16 days ago,” he said in a statement. Due to the rapid response, no homes or structures have been reported damaged. However, evacuation orders remain in effect, with authorities urging residents to follow safety protocols as crews work to contain the fire.
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Firefighters, however, are optimistic that cooler weather and improved aerial support will help prevent the Hughes Fire from becoming another catastrophic event.