Terrifying New Fire Erupts in Los Angeles: Experts Warn of Potential “Nu.clear Disaster”
Terrifying New Fire Erupts in Los Angeles: Experts Warn of Potential “Nu.clear Disaster”
A rapidly spreading wildfire has broken out in northern Los Angeles, raising alarms among experts who warn that the blaze "could escalate into a nu.clear disaster."
The Hughes Fire ignited late Wednesday morning (January 22, local time) near Castaic Lake in Los Angeles County, California, and has so far consumed 3,407 acres (nearly 14 square kilometers).
Evacuations UnderwayEvacuations have begun with warnings of a “direct threat to life.” Much of Southern California remains under a red flag warning due to extreme wildfire risks driven by strong winds and dry conditions.
The number of evacuees has not been disclosed, but approximately 18,600 people reside in the Castaic community.
The U.S. Forest Service reported that firefighters from the Angeles National Forest are responding, and the entire 700,000-acre park in the San Gabriel Mountains has been closed to visitors.
Cause Under InvestigationThe cause of the fire is under investigation. Photos show thick columns of smoke rising as firefighters battle the flames.
Jacob Weigler, a wildfire coordinator for Central Pierce County, Washington, told the New York Post that the initial scale of the fire indicates it is nearly uncontrollable.
“This could become a nuclear disaster. It’s massive. You know what fuel in that area can do right now, and the winds will be a major issue,” he stated.
The fire has already scorched nearly 8 square miles of trees and brush, forming a massive column of black smoke near Castaic Lake, a popular recreational area. The blaze is roughly 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the Eaton and Palisades fires, which have now entered their third week.
Exits along Interstate 5, a major north-south highway, have been closed as the fire spreads rapidly across ridges and into steep canyons.
Ground and aerial firefighting crews have been deploying water drops to stop the fire from advancing southward toward the densely populated foothill communities in Castaic.
Precautionary MeasuresThe California Highway Patrol reported that at least three schools have been evacuated as a precaution.
Meanwhile, officials in Los Angeles are preparing for potential rain, though some residents have been allowed to return to fire-scorched areas of Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Gusty winds are expected to persist through Thursday (January 23).
“We’re likely to see another round of severe wildfires across Southern California,” said Todd Hall, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, on the morning of January 22.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has issued an executive order to expedite cleanup efforts in burned areas and reduce the environmental impact of wildfire-related pollutants.
Other Fires in the RegionThe Eaton Fire, which has scorched 14,021 acres east of Los Angeles, is now 91% contained, while the larger Palisades Fire, which has burned 23,448 acres west of the city, is 68% contained as of Wednesday (January 22).
