California’s Hughes Fire Reaches 10,000 Acres

Another fire in California has now spread to more than 10,000 acres. As of 11 p.m. PT on Wednesday, the fire was only 14% contained.

Governor Gavin Newsom (D) said state resources “have been deployed to the Hughes Fire in the Angeles National Forest to assist in the federal response.” He noted that officials will “continue to monitor the situation closely and provide the federal government with whatever it needs to extinguish this fire.”

According to Cal Fire, 20 pre-positioned engines, 4 hand crews, 4 bulldozers, and aircraft have been deployed to fight the flames. More than 1,100 firefighters are positioned.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said the fire affected more than 50,000 people, with residents either being forced to evacuate or facing evacuation warnings.

“The weather is what is predominantly driving this fire and its spread right now. A red flag warning remains in effect until 10 a.m. Friday,” Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said in a statement, as per Fox News. “It remains a difficult fire to contain, although we are getting the upper hand.”

The fires that have coursed through California are estimated to have caused $350 million in damages.

“These are initial estimates,” Los Angeles City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo told council members. “They will likely grow.”

The damages include nearly $76 million for the Department of Water and Power, about $48 million for sanitation infrastructure, and about $55 million in damages for the Pacific Palisades Public Library. About $24 million has been estimated for emergency response costs.

President Donald Trump is expected to visit California and assess the areas ravaged by recent wildfires. Preparations suggest he may stop at Los Angeles Fire Department Station #69, located on Sunset Boulevard, near neighborhoods severely impacted by the fire. Reports indicate Trump may also visit the Altadena/Pasadena area to meet with victims and first responders before returning to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

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