By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-01-23 02:45:02 | Updated at 2025-01-23 05:39:05
3 hours ago
A new wildfire erupted north of Los Angeles on Wednesday, exploding in size and forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes, in a region already on edge after two deadly blazes.
Ferocious flames were devouring hillsides near Castaic Lake, spreading rapidly to cover more than 3,200 hectares (8,000 acres) in just a few hours.
The fire was being fanned by strong, dry Santa Ana winds that were racing through the area, pushing a vast pall of smoke and dangerous embers ahead of the flames – sparking fears that it could spread further.
Evacuations were ordered for 31,000 people around the lake, which sits around 56km (35 miles) north of Los Angeles, and close to the city of Santa Clarita.
“I’m just praying that our house doesn’t burn down,” one man told broadcaster KTLA as he packed his car.
