Foreign News
Firefighters battle huge blaze near Los Angeles as winds pick up
Firefighters are battling a fast-moving blaze in southern California that has swelled over the past day, with authorities warning that Thursday is “the period of greatest concern”.
The Hughes fire, about 45 miles (72 km) north of Los Angeles, grew to more than 10,000 acres (4,000 hectares), forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate a region already reeling from the most destructive fires in its history.
Forecasters warned that powerful winds were expected to pose further challenge for firefighters, who have so far brought 14% of the fire’s perimeter under control.
The blaze is north of the two ongoing mammoth blazes that have killed at least 28 people and destroyed a number of neighbourhoods in Los Angeles County.
The National Weather Service extended a red-flag warning until Friday morning for most of Los Angeles and Ventura counties as winds push through the area.
“Dangerous fire weather conditions will persist through Friday as fuels remain extremely dry and ready to burn, with Thursday the period of greatest concern,” an advisory said. “Any fire that starts can grow fast and out of control. Have a plan, especially if you are in a high fire risk area.”
More than 31,000 people were evacuated on Wednesday as the fire sent huge flames and plumes of smoke over a hilly terrain in the Castaic Lake area that borders several residential areas and schools.
Local news showed residents near the Hughes fire hosing down their homes and gardens with water and others rushing to evacuate.
Winds in the area were blowing at about 20-30mph (32-48km/h), but could pick up, which would fan the blaze and make it harder for air crews to operate.
Climate change has made the grasses and shrubs that are fuelling the Los Angeles fires more vulnerable to burning, scientists have said.
Rapid “whiplash”-style swings between dry and wet conditions in the region in recent years have created a massive amount of tinder-dry vegetation that is ready to catch fire.
[BBC]