A fast-moving wildfire erupted near Castaic Lake, north of Los Angeles, on Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of 19,000 people as ferocious flames engulfed hillsides in the area.
The fire, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions, quickly spread to over 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) within two hours, sending thick smoke and embers into the air. The blaze is the latest in a region still reeling from the devastation of two recent wildfires that claimed more than two dozen lives and destroyed thousands of homes.
Residents near Castaic Lake, approximately 35 miles from Los Angeles and near the city of Santa Clarita, were ordered to evacuate immediately. “I’m just praying that our house doesn’t burn down,” one resident told KTLA while packing his belongings.
Robert Jensen of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issued a stern warning to those in the evacuation zone: “We’ve seen the devastation caused by people failing to follow orders in the Palisades and Eaton fires. Don’t wait—please leave now.”
Police patrolled neighborhoods, urging residents to evacuate, while helicopters and planes worked to drop water and fire retardants on the flames. Among the aircraft deployed were two Super Scoopers, massive amphibious planes capable of carrying hundreds of gallons of water.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department, along with crews from the Angeles National Forest, is working tirelessly to contain the blaze. Ground teams are combating the fire while aerial support attacks the rapidly advancing flames.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. However, it erupted during a red flag warning, with meteorologists highlighting the dangerous combination of high winds and low humidity, which significantly increases the risk of wildfires.
This new wildfire has come as Southern California continues to grapple with the aftermath of earlier blazes that left communities devastated. Residents in the affected areas remain on high alert, with officials stressing the importance of evacuation orders to prevent further loss of life.
Authorities are urging the public to stay updated on evacuation zones and road closures while firefighters battle to contain the growing inferno.
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