Fast-moving Hughes Fire forces evacuations near Castaic

A fast-moving brush fire exploded in size in Castaic Wednesday morning, forcing evacuations near Lake Castaic and impacting traffic on the 5 Freeway.

The fire, dubbed the Hughes Fire, was announced shortly before 10:45 a.m. by the Angeles National Forest.

Officials said the blaze is “located off Lake Hughes Rd North of Castaic Reservoir Rd.”

Early estimates from CalFire put the blaze at approximately 50 acres until it grew to about 100 acres close to 11:30 a.m.

By 11:45 a.m., however, the blaze was estimated to be 500 acres and by 12:20 p.m., more than 3,400 acres.

Evacuations have been ordered for the areas near Lake Castaic, and other nearby areas are under evacuation warnings.

Included in that zone are several schools, including Northlake Elementary, Castaic Middle, Castaic Elementary and Castaic High schools.

A temporary evacuation center has been set up at Valencia High School, 27801 Dickson Drive, Valencia, CA 91355.

As a result of the blaze, the 5 Freeway will possibly be closed in the area, the California Highway Patrol said. As of early Wednesday afternoon, closures were limited to off-ramps of the freeway, the CHP told KTLA.

“If you have to travel through the area please use caution and obey all traffic safety laws,” the agency added on X, formerly Twitter.

Will Conybeare and Marc Sternfield contributed to this report. Check back for updates to this developing story.

​A fast-moving brush fire exploded in size in Castaic Wednesday morning, forcing evacuations near Lake Castaic and impacting traffic on the 5 Freeway. The fire, dubbed the Hughes Fire, was announced shortly before 10:45 a.m. by the Angeles National Forest. Officials said the blaze is “located off Lake Hughes Rd North of Castaic Reservoir Rd.” […]