Hughes Fire erupts, forces new evacuations in Southern California

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A massive smoke plume from the Hughes Fire at Castaic Lake is seen over a neighborhood in Santa Clarita, California on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Strong, gusty Santa Ana winds fueled a newly spreading wildfire near Santa Clarita, California, on Wednesday, and smoke clouded the sky over Southern California once more.

According to CAL FIRE, evacuations have been ordered in the surrounding area and nearby roads have been closed off. Interstate 5 remains open, but some on-ramps and off-ramps have been shut down.

The fire is burning to the north of Santa Clarita, with enormous smoke plumes visible from all over the city.

The cause of the Hughes Fire is still being investigated.

Planes have been sent out to assist in fighting the fire.