A new wildfire broke out north of Los Angeles on Wednesday, rapidly spreading and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate in a region already grappling with the aftermath of major fires.
The fire ignited near Castaic Lake and quickly consumed hillsides, spreading to 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) in just over two hours. Powerful, dry Santa Ana winds fueled the blaze, carrying a dense cloud of smoke and embers ahead of the flames.
Approximately 19,000 people were ordered to evacuate areas surrounding the lake, located about 35 miles north of Los Angeles near Santa Clarita. “I’m just praying that our house doesn’t burn down,” one man told KTLA while packing his car.
The new fire struck as the greater Los Angeles area was still recovering from two massive wildfires that had claimed over two dozen lives and destroyed thousands of structures.
Robert Jensen of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department urged residents in the affected areas to leave immediately. “We’ve seen the devastation caused by people failing to follow those orders in the Palisades and Eaton fires. I don’t want to see that here in our community as well. If you’ve been issued an evacuation order, please get out,” he said.
Police officers drove through neighborhoods, urging residents to evacuate as the fire continued to spread. Helicopters and planes, including two Super Scoopers capable of carrying hundreds of gallons of water, were seen dropping water and retardant on the fire.
Fire crews from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Angeles National Forest were also on the ground, working to contain the blaze.
The exact cause of the wildfire remains unknown, but it began during red flag conditions, a period of strong winds and low humidity that increases the risk of rapid fire spread.