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A fresh wildfire broke out north of Los Angeles on Wednesday, rapidly growing in intensity and prompting evacuation orders. The blaze added to the already overwhelming toll on a region grappling with the aftermath of several large fires.
Flames raged across the hillsides near Castaic Lake, expanding at a furious pace to cover 3,400 acres (1,400 hectares) in less than two hours, swiftly threatening the surrounding environment with destruction.
Strong, dry Santa Ana winds swept through the region, fueling the fire and sending a thick cloud of smoke and embers ahead of the advancing flames, intensifying the danger and spreading the threat farther.
Read also: 3.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes California Amid Wildfires
Authorities issued evacuations across the region surrounding Castaic Lake, situated roughly 35 miles north of Los Angeles and near Santa Clarita, as the fire’s rapid spread posed an escalating threat.
“I’m just praying that our house doesn’t burn down,” one man told broadcaster KTLA as he packed his car.
Television coverage showed officers moving through the neighborhood, urging everyone to evacuate as the threat of the wildfire intensified.
With the scars of destruction still fresh, Southern California grapples with the devastation of colossal fires that tore through Los Angeles, killing at least 25 people and destroying thousands of homes and buildings.
