Firefighters contained the rapid spread of the Hughes Fire, 50 miles north of Los Angeles, on Thursday after it burned 10,176 acres since igniting Wednesday. Crews increased containment to 24%, up from 14% earlier in the day, according to Cal Fire. Strong winds and low humidity continued to challenge efforts, with rain expected over the weekend potentially bringing mudslide risks, officials warned.
The fire prompted evacuation orders for 31,000 residents and warnings for 16,000 more near Castaic Lake. Meanwhile, the Eaton and Palisades fires, burning for 17 days, have destroyed nearly 16,000 structures and killed 28 people. The Eaton Fire is now 95% contained, while the Palisades Fire is at 72%.
A smaller blaze, the Sepulveda Fire, burned 45 acres along the 405 Freeway near the Getty Center, forcing highway closures and evacuations. It is now 60% contained.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a $2.5 billion relief package for fire recovery and prevention as President Donald Trump prepared to visit the state. Trump, however, criticized California’s water management, inaccurately linking conservation efforts to hydrant shortages during the Palisades Fire.
Newsom dismissed Trump’s claims as misinformation, explaining that local reservoir depletion, not state water policies, caused the shortages.
The fires, part of a crisis estimated to cost $250 billion in damages and losses, highlight the urgent need for state and federal support. Newsom emphasized the importance of accurate information and collaboration to address the ongoing disaster.
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