Hughes fire forces 50,000 evacuations as flames engulf Los Angeles

L.A: A new wildfire, known as the "Hughes Fire," has broken out in Los Angeles, California, prompting evacuation orders and warnings for more than 50,000 residents. The fire, which started late Wednesday morning, has already burned 9,400 acres and is at zero percent containment, according to CAL Fire. Dark smoke billows up near Lake Castaic, a recreation spot only 40 miles away from the two fires still blazing for three weeks - Eaton and Palisades.

Wildfires update

According to CAL Fire, it has scorched 23,448 acres and remains at 68 percent containment. Eaton Fire, on the other hand, burned 14,021 acres but is now at 91 percent containment. Elsewhere, other fires have already almost gone into control and these include San Diego's Lilac Fire and 95% contained and another fire known as the Clay in Riverside which contains 45%. Director Joe Tyler from CAL Fire in a recent briefing at press indicated that; "Responders are doing great work to try and keep this fire inside a box but we're by no means through it."

Evacuations, warnings in public

LA County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed that more than 31,000 residents have been evacuated, with another 23,000 under evacuation warnings. Still, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said firefighters have gained the upper hand, using favorable winds to drop tens of thousands of gallons of fire retardant on the blaze's southern edge.

High winds and persistent fire threats

According to the National Weather Service, warning has been issued about increasing winds in the area, gusting at 42 mph currently and expected to hit 60 mph by late Wednesday evening and 70 mph by Thursday. These offshore gusty winds, combined with low humidity, are creating critical fire weather conditions.

Residents are bracing for impact

Kayla Amara, a nurse from nearby Valencia, described the stress of battling fires close to her home. "Other people are hosing down their houses, too. I hope there's a house here to return to," she said as flames advanced on a nearby hillside.

Health hazards from wildfire ash

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and LA County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer warned residents to be aware of health hazards associated with wildfire ash, which could contain heavy metals and arsenic. Ferrer cautioned that protective gear should be used during cleanup efforts to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals.