World
Powerful Winds Ignite New Wildfires in Southern California
On Thursday, powerful winds and extremely dry conditions create significant challenges for firefighters tackling multiple wildfires in Southern California. Among them is a fast-growing blaze north of Los Angeles, leading to tens of thousands of evacuations.
The Hughes Fire, located about 50 miles north of Los Angeles, has expanded to 10,176 acres since it ignited on Wednesday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
Approximately 4,000 firefighters are working to contain the fire, which is currently 14% under control, as stated by Cal Fire. Containment refers to the percentage of the fire’s perimeter that crews have successfully secured.
Firefighters on the Hughes Fire and crews battling the Palisades and Eaton fires are expected to face severe conditions. According to Reuters, Forecasters predict Santa Ana winds reaching up to 50 mph, with gusts of 65 mph and humidity levels dropping below 10% through Friday.
The National Weather Service warned about the continued high fire risk, stating, “Dangerous fire weather conditions will persist through Friday. Fuels remain extremely dry, meaning any new fire could spread rapidly out of control.”
California Fire Deaths
On Wednesday, around 31,000 residents were forced to evacuate as flames and thick smoke consumed hillsides in the Castaic Lake area near Santa Clarita. The Eaton and Palisades fires, which have devastated neighbourhoods on both the eastern and western sides of Los Angeles, have claimed 28 lives and destroyed or damaged nearly 16,000 buildings over the past two weeks.
Video footage from KTLA showed helicopters drawing water from a lake to battle the Hughes Fire while planes dropped fire retardant on burning hillsides. Flames reached the lake’s edge, and eyewitness footage captured orange-tinted skies as the fire expanded on Wednesday afternoon.
In another area, a smaller fire called the Sepulveda Fire broke out along the 405 Freeway near the Getty Museum in the San Fernando Valley. By Thursday morning, the fire had grown to 40 acres and was uncontained. It temporarily shut down part of the busy freeway and forced some residents to evacuate overnight.
Southern California has been without significant rainfall for nine months, creating extremely hazardous conditions. However, rain is forecast from Saturday through Monday, potentially offering some relief to firefighters.
Trump to Visit
At the same time, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass cautioned that the rain could cause mudslides. She noted that the city is taking preventive measures, such as installing barriers, removing debris, and redirecting stormwater.
As of Thursday morning, Cal Fire reported that the Eaton Fire, which has burned 14,000 acres east of Los Angeles, is 95% contained. The larger Palisades Fire, covering 23,450 acres on the city’s west side, is 70% contained.
President Donald Trump is expected to visit the region on Friday to assess the wildfire damage. During a Wednesday interview with Fox News, Trump criticized California’s handling of the crisis and suggested he might cut federal funding unless changes are made to the state’s water management.
“We shouldn’t be giving California anything until they let water flow,” Trump said, referencing his belief that conservation efforts in Northern California are causing water shortages in Southern California. Governor Gavin Newsom has dismissed these claims.
