Exhausted firefighters, already battling relentless wildfires for weeks, are now facing the challenge of two new blazes raging through Southern California.
On a positive note, the Sepulveda Fire near Interstate 405 and Sepulveda Boulevard in Los Angeles has been contained, with no further spread reported. The Los Angeles Fire Department announced Thursday morning that about 250 firefighters quickly responded to the fire, which broke out late Wednesday. "We were able to keep it to only 40 acres," said firefighter David Ortiz, a department spokesperson. "The Santa Ana winds were blowing against the fire, which helped us control it."
Crews are now focusing on ensuring the area remains secure, making sure no embers are left that could be carried by the wind.
Meanwhile, the fast-moving Hughes Fire, which started early Wednesday, has already scorched over 10,000 acres across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. As of Thursday morning, the fire remains only 14% contained, according to Cal Fire. Located near Castaic, north of Santa Clarita, the fire has forced around 31,000 residents to evacuate, with an additional 23,000 under evacuation warnings. However, as of early Thursday, there have been no reports of structural damage or injuries, Cal Fire Battalion Chief David Acuna noted.
The National Weather Service has issued a red-flag warning, extending through Friday morning, for most of Los Angeles and Ventura counties as Santa Ana winds continue to fuel the fires. With the region experiencing dry conditions and gusts potentially reaching up to 60 mph, any spark could quickly escalate into a major blaze.
The Hughes Fire broke out just before 11 a.m. Wednesday near Castaic Lake, an area already impacted by the Palisades and Eaton Fires, which have burned over 40,000 acres and claimed at least 28 lives since January 7. The Hughes Fire, however, is posing a different challenge, as Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Sheila Kelliher described it as "a completely different beast."
Despite the challenges, firefighters have had some support from calmer winds, which have allowed for nighttime water drops from helicopters. Fortunately, fire crews also have direct access to Castaic Lake and other nearby reservoirs, easing some concerns about water supply.
The National Weather Service warned that "dangerous fire weather conditions" would continue through Friday, with dry vegetation ready to ignite. Thursday is expected to be the most critical day, with the potential for any new fires to grow rapidly and become uncontrollable.
The Hughes Fire has also prompted evacuations at a nearby county jail in Castaic, home to over 4,000 inmates. Around 470 inmates were relocated to another part of the facility, with plans in place to evacuate the rest if necessary. Schools in the area, including Castaic Middle and High Schools, were also evacuated. Students from North Lake Elementary were relocated to the Castaic Sports Complex.
In response to the threat, College of the Canyons closed its Valencia and Canyon Country campuses on Wednesday and Thursday as a precaution.
Smoke from the fire was visible as far south as Oxnard, some 50 miles away in Ventura County.
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