No reported growth overnight in Hughes fire near Castaic as crews prepare for more tough weather
Firefighters held the Hughes fire in check overnight, keeping the blaze at 10,176 acres with 14% containment as crews prepared for another day of critical fire weather, authorities said.
The fire, burning near Castaic in the Antelope Valley, was first reported around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, and exploded in size thanks to strong Santa Ana winds, prompting evacuation orders and warnings and, at one point, a short shutdown of the 5 Freeway.
More than 4,000 personnel were assigned to the fire and about a dozen aircraft were sent up to the Santa Clarita area to help ground crews, authorities said.
No structures have been reported damaged or destroyed as of Thursday morning.
Crews overnight focused on extinguishing hot spots and flare ups, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said during Wednesday evening.
The Hughes broke out during a red flag warning for troublesome fire weather. The warning by the National Weather Service lasts until Friday, with wind gusts expected to peak on Thursday, Jan. 23, according to meteorologists.
But firefighters could get a reprieve over the weekend, when light rain might arrive.
Mandatory evacuation orders were impacting about 31,000 people as of Wednesday night, officials said, with another 23,000 under evacuation warnings.
A firefighting aircraft makes a drop on the Hughes fire in Castaic on Tuesday, Jan 22, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Fire approaches new homes being built near the Hughes fire in Santa Clarita, CA on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. The fire broke out amidst a red flag warning for critical fire conditions, which has been extended through Friday. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Hughes fire burns in Castaic on Tuesday, Jan 22, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Tankers drop Phos-Chek on the front edge of the Hughes fire in Castaic, CA on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A firefighter spray water as he monitors flames caused by the Hughes Fire along a roadside in Castaic, Calf., Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Fire retardant is dropped on the Hughes fire in Castaic on Tuesday. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The tower at Six Flags Magic Mountain with the Hughes fire burning in Castaic on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
People watch the Hughes fire in Castaic from Santa Clarita on Tuesday, Jan 22, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Flames caused by the Hughes Fire along Castaic Lake is seen in Castaic, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
A home owner sprays water from the top of the roof in Castaic, Calif., as a large plume of smoke caused by the Hughes Fire rises from Castaic Lake Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
A firefighting aircraft over the Hughes fire in Castaic on Tuesday, Jan 22, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Large amount of smoke fills the skies north of Magic Mountain from the Hughes fire burning out of control by Caustic Lake Wednesday. Valencia CA. Jan 22, 2025.
(Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)
LA firefighter strike teams from all over stage at the entrance of Magic Mountain as large amount of smoke fills the skies from the Hughes fire burning out of control by Caustic Lake Wednesday. Valencia CA. Jan 22, 2025.
(Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)
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A firefighting aircraft makes a drop on the Hughes fire in Castaic on Tuesday, Jan 22, 2025. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Nearly 500 inmates were evacuated on Wednesday from one of the Pitchess Detention Center campuses in Castaic to a nearby correctional facility, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
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