Official investigation reports from fire authorities

Hughes Fire Near Castaic Lake Grows Beyond 5,000 Acres; 20,000 Evacuated Amid 0% Containment

Jan 22, 2025, 08:35 PM

On January 22, 2025, the Hughes Fire erupted near Castaic Lake in Los Angeles County, rapidly growing from 50 acres to over 5,000 acres within just a few hours. The blaze, which started around 11 a.m. near Lake Hughes Road and Castaic Reservoir Road, is fueled by strong Santa Ana winds gusting up to 40 mph, contributing to its explosive growth. Within an hour, the fire expanded from 500 acres to 3,400 acres. Firefighters report 0% containment. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for areas surrounding Castaic Lake, affecting approximately 20,000 people, with an additional 16,000 residents advised to be ready to evacuate. The fire has spotted across Castaic Lake to the west side, near Ridge Route Road, and is threatening structures, prompting the request for Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs) to assist firefighting efforts. The blaze is causing road closures, including portions of Interstate 5, and schools in the area, including Castaic High School, have been evacuated. The fast-moving wildfire is producing heavy smoke, impacting visibility on major roadways and causing concern for surrounding communities.