The state of California has been hit by another major wildfire. This has led to tens of thousands of people being evacuated from the region. International media are talking about the fires which are the most destructive in its history.
The fire destroyed over 72 square kilometers northwest of the city of Los Angeles on Wednesday morning, near Castaic Lake in a mountainous area bordering several residential areas and schools, writes A2 CNN.
It grew to more than 10,000 acres in a matter of hours on Wednesday, fanned by strong winds. No homes or businesses were damaged and officials expressed confidence in keeping the fire under control. The new blaze is north of two major fires that have devastated a number of neighborhoods this month.
The BBC reports that residents near the Hughes fire have flooded their homes and gardens, with others rushing to evacuate.
The Los Angeles area has once again been placed under a red flag, which will continue until Thursday. This warns of a high fire risk due to strong winds and dry conditions with low humidity.
Winds in the area are blowing at speeds of around 32-48 km/h, but could increase, which would spread the fire further and make it more difficult for air crews to operate.
Climate change has made grasses and shrubs a kind of food for Los Angeles wildfires, scientists say.
About 31,000 people in the area are under a mandatory evacuation order and another 23,000 have been warned they may have to flee, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said. Nearly 500 inmates at a local jail were being evacuated, he added.
Local officials said the fire was different from the Palisades and Eaton fires, which killed at least 28 people and destroyed more than 10,000 homes and businesses earlier this month. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
