Authorities warn that Thursday is “the period of greatest concern” as firefighters battle a fast-moving fire in southern California that has grown over the past day.
Tens of thousands of residents were forced to escape the Hughes fire, which spread to 10,000 acres (4,000 hectares) approximately 45 miles (72 km) north of Los Angeles. The area was already experiencing one of the most devastating flames in its history.
Firefighters have so far contained 14% of the fire’s perimeter, but forecasters cautioned that strong winds would present additional difficulties.
The fire is located to the north of the two massive fires that are still burning and have damaged many neighborhoods in Los Angeles County.
For the majority of Los Angeles, the National Weather Service maintained a red-flag warning until Friday morning.
