The Hughes Fire: What You Need to Know
Evacuations are underway in Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to the Hughes Fire, which has grown to over 9,400 acres and is currently 0% contained. Several areas have been placed under evacuation orders, affecting around 31,000 residents. Evacuation warnings are also in place for approximately 23,000 additional residents.
Additional school closures have been announced for Thursday, January 23rd. Castaic Union School District will close all schools, impacting 2,000 students. The William S. Hart Union High School District will close four schools, affecting approximately 5,000 students.
The 5 Freeway was shut down in the Tejon Pass area due to the fire but has since reopened. However, several road closures remain in effect, including off-ramps from I-5 northbound and eastbound Parker Road and Lake Hughes Road.
The National Weather Service has issued wind advisories and red flag warnings for the affected areas. High wind warnings are in effect from overnight Wednesday until 2 p.m. Thursday, and a red flag warning has been extended until 10 a.m. Friday. The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has issued an Air Quality Alert for Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Oxnard, Piru, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, and Ventura due to smoke.
Evacuation Information
Evacuation orders have been issued for the following areas:
– Los Angeles County: Castaic, Val Verde, Vista Del Lago, Lake Hughes, Elizabeth Lake, Gorman, and Acton.
– Ventura County: Piru, Fillmore, and parts of Santa Paula.
A map of the evacuation zones is available on the CalFire website.
Evacuation centers have been established at the following locations:
– Valencia High School, 27801 Dickson Dr., Valencia
– For small animals:
– Palmdale Animal Care Center, 38550 Sierra Hwy., Palmdale
– Aguora Animal Care Center, 29525 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills
– Lancaster Animal Care Center, 5210 W. Ave. I, Lancaster
– For large animals:
– Lancaster Animal Care Center, 5210 W. Ave. I, Lancaster
Road Closures
The following road closures are in effect due to the Hughes Fire:
– Off-ramps from I-5 northbound at Parker Road and Lake Hughes Road
– Eastbound Parker Road / Ridge Road from The Old Road
– Eastbound Lake Hughes Road from The Old Road
Fire Conditions and Safety Tips
The Hughes Fire is burning in high winds, creating dangerous conditions. Residents in the affected areas should be prepared to evacuate if necessary. If you must evacuate, it is important to have a plan and to gather essential belongings, including medications, important documents, and valuables. It is also crucial to stay informed about the latest fire conditions and evacuation orders by listening to local news and emergency broadcasts.
Air Quality Concerns
Smoke from the Hughes Fire is impacting air quality in the surrounding areas. The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has issued an Air Quality Alert for Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Oxnard, Piru, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, and Ventura. Residents in these areas should be aware of the potential health effects of smoke inhalation, such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. It is recommended to stay indoors as much as possible, especially for sensitive individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. If you must go outdoors, wear a face mask to reduce smoke exposure.
For the latest updates on the Hughes Fire, please visit the CalFire website or follow @LACoFireDept on Twitter.
