The fire, driven by strong, dry winds, has prompted evacuation orders for approximately 31,300 people.

Meanwhile, wildfires from two weeks ago remain active, though firefighters are close to containing them. Reuters reports that the Eaton Fire is now 91% contained, while the Palisades Fire is 68% contained.

In just a few hours, the Hughes Fire has grown to nearly two-thirds the size of the Eaton Fire. Over 31,000 residents are under mandatory evacuation orders, with an additional 23,000 under evacuation warnings, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced at a press conference.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has deployed 1,100 firefighters across Southern California. More than 4,000 firefighters are specifically assigned to combat the Hughes Fire, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said.

Southern California’s dry conditions, exacerbated by nine months without significant rain, have created a highly hazardous environment. However, rain is forecast from Saturday through Monday, which could provide much-needed relief to firefighters.