Evacuations ordered due to a new fire that threatens homes north of Los Angeles

A new uncontrolled and fast-moving fire broke out this Wednesday in Los Angeles County, forcing the evacuation of thousands of people, after days of significant progress since a wave of devastating fires broke out that claimed the lives of at least 28 people. .

The Hughes Fire was declared this Wednesday morning in northern Castaic and In less than two hours it devastated just over 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) driven by the strong winds that hit southern California, the California Fire Department (Cal Fire) reported in a statement.

Authorities are fighting its spread and evacuation orders have been issued around Lake Castaic, affecting more than 19,000 residents, according to television channel KTLA.

This new fire breaks out after a week of significant progress in containing the historic fires that reduced entire communities of Los Angeles to ashes since last January 7 and that are still active.

The Palisades fire, which destroyed more than 9,300 hectares, has been 68% contained since its start 15 days ago. For its part, Eaton, in the city of Pasadena, destroyed more than 5,600 hectares and is 91% extinct, Cal Fire said.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Critical weather alert maintains Southern California through Thursday over Los Angeles County and neighboring Ventura, with wind gusts that could reach 80 kilometers per hour.

The multiple fires that ravage Los Angeles and that will go down in US history as one of the worst natural disasters have claimed the lives of 28 people, with more than 16,500 hectares burned, 15,000 structures destroyed and the evacuation of more than 150,000 people.