Castaic Lake Fire: See Hughes Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas

CASTAIC LAKE, CA — A fast-moving brush fire in the Castaic Lake is forcing 31,000 people to flee from their homes under mandatory evacuations with another 23,000 under evacuation warnings, Wednesday.

The blaze dubbed the Hughes Fire, broke out at about 11 a.m. and spread across 9,400 acres within hours, sending thick plumes of smoke across the region, briefly shutting down the Golden State (5) Freeway, and prompting mandatory evacuations orders and warnings in the Castaic Lake area. There are also warnings in remote canyon areas near Castaic, according to the sheriff's department.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for a wide area enveloping Castaic Lake, including the heart of Castaic. An even wider area fell under evacuation warnings as the fire quickly spread.

Multiple road closures were also ordered in the area due to the fire. Sheriff's officials have closed:

• Ridge Route Road at Lake Hughes
• Ridge Route Road at Templin Highway;
• Lake Hughes at Pine Canyon; and
• Dry Gulch at San Francisquito Canyon Road.

SEE ALSO: Castaic Lake Fire: See Hughes Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas