ALBAWABA - A new fast-spreading fire (Hughes Fire) erupted north of Los Angeles forcing tens of thousands to leave their homes on Wednesday, AFP reported.
The rapid wildfire burned over 9,400 acres (3,800 hectares) in just a few hours near Castaic Lake in Southern California. At least 31,000 were called to evacuate around the lake, located 56 kilometers north of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone confirmed that about 4,000 firefighters were dispatched to the location of the new blaze.
"The situation remains dynamic, and the fire remains a difficult fire to contain, although we are getting the upper hand," he told the media on Wednesday.
"We are going to be on scene all night long, gaining more perimeter control, making sure that we can put out the hot spots, and then have enough resources and staging so that if we do have a flare-up, we can move those resources to the fire line," Anthony Marrone added.
Videos of the fire surrounding Castaic Lake in Los Angeles were posted on social media showing black smoke rising into the sky in a horrific view as described by witnesses.
Cal Fire's official website revealed that since the start of the wildfires on Jan. 7, at least 35,975 emergency responses were made as flames burned 40,462 acres. In addition, 28 people have lost their lives in the California fires.
