Hughes fire grows to 10,000 acres, 50,000 evacuated as fire tornadoes erupt in Los Angeles

The Hughes Fire, which ignited on January 22, near Lake Castaic in the hills north of Santa Clarita, has rapidly spread across 10,176 acres. The fire's explosive growth, from 500 acres to over 10,000 acres within a matter of hours, was fueled by strong winds, dry brush, and low humidity. As of the latest update, the fire remains 14% contained. Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for 31,000 residents, with an additional 23,000 people under evacuation warnings. Several schools in the area have been evacuated, and local officials have set up shelters to assist displaced residents.

Firefighting efforts have been substantial, with more than 4,000 personnel involved in the battle. Crews are working both on the ground and in the air, using helicopters and planes to drop water and fire retardant across the fire's path. Multiple fire departments, including Los Angeles County Fire Department and Angeles National Forest crews, are on site, along with support from federal agencies. Firefighting aircraft, such as Super Scoopers, DC-10 jets, and helicopters, have been used to attack the blaze from the air, while bulldozers and ground crews work to establish containment lines and address hotspots.

The fire has produced severe conditions, including fire tornadoes. These dangerous phenomena occur when intense winds combine with the heat of the fire to create rotating columns of fire. The presence of fire tornadoes has increased the fire’s spread, making containment efforts more complex and hazardous. Fire officials have stressed that these conditions make it more difficult to predict the fire's movement and hinder firefighting strategies.

Evacuation orders have affected several regions, including residential and rural areas. Key roads in the region, including portions of the I-5 freeway, have been closed due to the fire’s proximity. Authorities have shut down exits at Ridge Route Road, Lake Hughes, and other locations along the I-5 corridor, which serves as a major route for travelers along the West Coast. Road closures have caused traffic disruptions as drivers are rerouted, and authorities are closely monitoring these conditions. The California Highway Patrol has been working with local fire agencies to manage these closures and provide timely updates on affected routes.

The Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic, located near the fire's path, was also evacuated as a precaution, with 500 inmates relocated to a nearby facility. Authorities have stressed that these evacuations are a safety measure, as the fire threatens key infrastructure. Meanwhile, the fire has prompted the temporary closure of several local schools, with emergency services in place to ensure student safety.

Governor Gavin Newsom has confirmed that state resources have been deployed to assist with the firefighting efforts. In coordination with local and federal agencies, state resources are providing additional personnel, equipment, and firefighting capabilities. Firefighting operations are being conducted around the clock, with crews working through the night to strengthen containment lines and address flare-ups. The situation remains fluid, and fire officials have cautioned that the fire could continue to grow, depending on weather conditions and firefighting progress.

As of the evening of January 22, the Hughes Fire remains a serious threat, with firefighting teams focused on containing the blaze, preventing it from spreading to densely populated areas. Local authorities continue to issue evacuation orders and warnings, urging residents to follow instructions and stay informed about developments. The fire’s cause remains under investigation, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.