Wildfires Continue to Rage Across Southern California
Firefighters Battle to Increase Containment
Overnight water drops helped stop the spread of a huge wildfire churning through rugged mountains north of Los Angeles and firefighters battled to increase containment as dangerous winds whipped up again Thursday.
The Hughes Fire
The Hughes Fire broke out late Wednesday morning and in less than a day had charred nearly 16 square miles (41 square kilometers) of trees and brush near Castaic Lake, a popular recreation area about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires that are burning for a third week.
Containment Efforts
There was no growth overnight and crews were jumping on flareups to keep the flames within containment lines, fire spokesperson Jeremy Ruiz said Thursday morning.
“We had helicopters dropping water until around 3 a.m. That kept it in check,” he said.
Evacuations and Damage
The fire was at 24% containment as of early Thursday afternoon. Over 50,000 people were under evacuation orders or warnings Wednesday. Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials didn’t provide new information on evacuations Thursday. There were no reports of homes or other structures burned.
New Fire Breaks Out in Ventura County
Meanwhile, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the southwest in Ventura County, a new fire Thursday prompted the evacuation of California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo. Water-dropping helicopters made quick progress against the small Laguna Fire that erupted in hills above the campus, where about 7,000 students are enrolled. The evacuation order was later downgraded to a warning.
Fire Risk and Weather
Though the region was under a red flag warning for critical fire risk through Friday, winds were not as strong as they had been when the Palisades and Eaton fires broke out, allowing for firefighting aircraft to dump tens of thousands of gallons of fire retardant.
Resident’s Concerns
Kayla Amara, a nurse who lives in nearby Valencia, said she’s been on edge for weeks as major blazes devastated Southern California.
“It’s been stressful with those other fires, but now that this one is close to home it’s just super stressful,” she said.
Other Fires and Damage
Closer to Los Angeles, residents in the Sherman Oaks area received an evacuation warning Wednesday night after a brush fire broke out on the Sepulveda Pass near Interstate 405. Forward progress was stopped within hours and the warning was lifted.
The low humidity, bone-dry vegetation and strong winds came as firefighters continued battling the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires. Officials remained concerned that those fires could break their containment lines as firefighters continue watching for hot spots. Containment of the Palisades Fire reached 72%, and the Eaton Fire was at 95%.
Those two fires have killed at least 28 people and destroyed more than 14,000 structures since they broke out Jan. 7.
Preparing for Rain and Debris Flows
Ahead of the weekend, Los Angeles officials were shoring up hillsides and installing barriers to prepare for potential rain that could cause debris flows, even as some residents were allowed to return to the charred Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas. Precipitation was possible starting Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
Financial Impact and Relief Efforts
The California fires have overall caused at least $28 billion in insured damage and probably a little more in uninsured damage, according to Karen Clark and Company, a disaster modeling firm known for accurate post-catastrophe damage assessments.
On the heels of that assessment, California Republicans are pushing back against suggestions by President Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson and others that federal disaster aid for victims of wildfires should come with strings attached.
The state Legislature on Thursday approved a more than $2.5 billion fire relief package, in part to help the Los Angeles area recover from the fires.
Trump plans to travel to the state to see the damage firsthand Friday, but it wasn’t clear whether he and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom will meet during the visit.
Conclusion
The ongoing wildfires in Southern California continue to pose a significant threat to residents and firefighters alike. As the region prepares for potential rain and debris flows, it is essential to continue monitoring the situation and providing support to those affected.
FAQs
Q: How many people are under evacuation orders or warnings?
A: Over 50,000 people are under evacuation orders or warnings.
Q: What is the containment level of the Hughes Fire?
A: The fire is at 24% containment.
Q: How many structures have been destroyed by the Palisades and Eaton fires?
A: More than 14,000 structures have been destroyed.
Q: What is the estimated damage caused by the California fires?
A: The estimated damage is at least $28 billion, with possibly more in uninsured damage.
