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Hughes Fire Ignites, Forcing Mass Evacuations East of Los Angeles

Wildfire near Castaic is the latest in a series of aggressive fires exacerbated by Santa Ana winds and dry conditions. Direct Relief is mobilizing medical support for impacted areas.

News

California Wildfires

The Hughes Fire as seen on January 22, 2025. Direct Relief is in communication with local and regional organizations about potential medical needs. (CALFIRE Map)
By Lara Cooper

With a red flag warning still in effect, another wind-driven wildfire erupted Thursday near Castaic, a community east of Los Angeles.

The Hughes Fire, which began on the morning of Jan. 22, exploded to more than 8,000 acres over the course of several hours. The fire is the latest in a series of rapidly intensifying wildfires recorded throughout the region in 2025.

More than 19,000 people were under mandatory evacuation orders from the fire on Thursday afternoon, with another 16,000 under evacuation warning, according to L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna. A portion of the area’s main highway access, Interstate 5, was closed to vehicles due to the fire, and high winds, heavy brush, and dry conditions were aiding the flames.

Thick smoke was blanketing many communities on the Los Angeles and Ventura County lines, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory on Thursday. The agency urged residents to stay indoors when possible and wear a mask to filter potentially harmful particles from the air.

In response to the Hughes Fire, Direct Relief has received requests for N95 masks specifically for people working outdoors who may be exposed to the smoke, including farm workers.

The organization is also in communication with local and regional organizations about anticipated medical needs and will continue to respond.

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