California is currently grappling with one of its most devastating wildfires. The state has been ravaged by a series of destructive wildfires since earlier this month. As of January 24, nine fires remain active, including the devastating Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and the Hughes Fire which erupted on January 22, 2025. The Hughes fire has devoured nearly 16 square miles of trees and brush near Castaic Lake within a day.
The underfunded fire department has been working to maintain an upper hand on the rapidly moving wildfire. The Hughes fire swept through mountains north of Los Angeles and resulted in evacuation orders of warning for over 50,000 people.
While the politicians are busy playing a blame game for the disastrous wildfire season that is ravaging Los Angeles in a drought-stricken California, firefighters have been dumping tens of thousands of gallons of fire retardant on the latest blaze. With over 4,000 firefighters assigned to deal with the fire, the Hughes fire was about 36 percent contained by Thursday night.
Image: Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times
The officials have issued red flag warnings in LA and Ventura counties. There are concerns that the Palisades and Eaton fires could move past their containment lines as firefighters continue to monitor the hot spots.
According to the LA county sheriff, Robert Luna, over 31,000 people have been ordered to evacuate from the Hughes fire, and another 23,000 are under warnings for evacuation. However, reportedly no homes or other structures have burned.
The prolonged drought and high-speed winds have exacerbated the wildfire season. According to the National Weather Service, winds that were 42mph on Wednesday noon escalated to 65mph in some mountain pockets by nightfall, fanning the fires.
According to the weather service, windy conditions are likely to persist and rain is expected starting on Saturday.