Los Angeles, 23 January (H.S.): On Wednesday, more than 50,000 people were ordered to evacuate or placed under evacuation warnings as a massive, fast-moving wildfire ripped through the mountains north of Los Angeles. This latest fire, known as the Hughes Fire, quickly spread over 15 square miles and sent thick smoke near Lake Castaic, a popular recreation spot.
The ongoing Eaton and Palisades fires, which have been burning for three weeks, also continue to pose a threat to the area. At a press conference, Cal Fire director Joe Tyler praised the responders’ efforts but cautioned that they were still facing challenges in containing the fire.
More than 31,000 people have been ordered to evacuate while another 23,000 are under warning. Despite gusting winds of up to 42 mph, ground crews and water-dropping aircraft worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from crossing Interstate 5, a key north-south highway.
With winds expected to increase to 60 mph later in the evening and on Thursday, firefighters remain on high alert to protect homes and property in Southern California.
Hindusthan Samachar
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