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Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026
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Hughes Fire Forces Thousands to Evacuate as Wildfire Crisis Intensifies in Los Angeles County
Rapidly spreading Hughes Fire prompts evacuations and heightens concerns over hazardous weather conditions in Southern California.
Thousands of residents in Los Angeles County have been evacuated following the rapid spread of the Hughes Fire, which erupted near Castaic Lake, approximately 45 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
The wildfire, fueled by dry vegetation and strong winds, quickly consumed over 9,000 acres within hours of igniting on Wednesday morning.
The fire's proximity to residential areas and critical infrastructure has led to additional precautionary evacuations, including the transfer of 476 individuals from the Pitchess Detention Center due to its location within a mandatory evacuation zone.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department coordinated the evacuation efforts, ensuring the safety of inmates and nearby residents.
Intense winds and low humidity continue to pose challenges for firefighting teams, which have been strategically deploying ground crews and water-dropping aircraft in a bid to gain control over the blaze.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone stated that more than 4,000 firefighters have been mobilized to combat the fire, which is currently 0% contained.
Interstate 5, a major north-south transportation artery, has seen off-ramp closures as flames threaten surrounding communities.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles officials are preparing for a potential rain event forecasted for the weekend, which could exacerbate the risk of mudslides and debris flows in fire-impacted areas.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has issued an executive order to expedite cleanup efforts and mitigate environmental hazards in burn areas.
In tandem, Los Angeles County supervisors approved emergency measures to install flood control infrastructure and expedite sediment removal.
Meteorologists predict a 60-80% chance of light rain, with localized thunderstorms potentially delivering up to an inch of precipitation, a scenario that could lead to severe mudslides on charred hillsides.
Fire crews are taking preemptive action by preparing sandbags and reinforcing drainage systems to protect vulnerable communities.
In addition to the Hughes Fire, the ongoing Palisades and Eaton fires—burning for their third week—have sparked further concerns as containment efforts continue.
The Palisades Fire is reportedly 68% contained, while the Eaton Fire has reached 91% containment.
These fires have claimed at least 28 lives and destroyed over 14,000 structures since their onset on January 7.
Southern California Edison faces legal scrutiny, with lawsuits alleging that its equipment may have ignited the Eaton Fire.
A recent court order requires the utility to disclose data from circuits in the affected area.
President Donald Trump has announced plans to visit Los Angeles on Friday to address the wildfire crisis.
Details of his visit are pending as local authorities focus on managing evolving emergency conditions.
The wildfire, fueled by dry vegetation and strong winds, quickly consumed over 9,000 acres within hours of igniting on Wednesday morning.
The fire's proximity to residential areas and critical infrastructure has led to additional precautionary evacuations, including the transfer of 476 individuals from the Pitchess Detention Center due to its location within a mandatory evacuation zone.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department coordinated the evacuation efforts, ensuring the safety of inmates and nearby residents.
Intense winds and low humidity continue to pose challenges for firefighting teams, which have been strategically deploying ground crews and water-dropping aircraft in a bid to gain control over the blaze.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone stated that more than 4,000 firefighters have been mobilized to combat the fire, which is currently 0% contained.
Interstate 5, a major north-south transportation artery, has seen off-ramp closures as flames threaten surrounding communities.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles officials are preparing for a potential rain event forecasted for the weekend, which could exacerbate the risk of mudslides and debris flows in fire-impacted areas.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has issued an executive order to expedite cleanup efforts and mitigate environmental hazards in burn areas.
In tandem, Los Angeles County supervisors approved emergency measures to install flood control infrastructure and expedite sediment removal.
Meteorologists predict a 60-80% chance of light rain, with localized thunderstorms potentially delivering up to an inch of precipitation, a scenario that could lead to severe mudslides on charred hillsides.
Fire crews are taking preemptive action by preparing sandbags and reinforcing drainage systems to protect vulnerable communities.
In addition to the Hughes Fire, the ongoing Palisades and Eaton fires—burning for their third week—have sparked further concerns as containment efforts continue.
The Palisades Fire is reportedly 68% contained, while the Eaton Fire has reached 91% containment.
These fires have claimed at least 28 lives and destroyed over 14,000 structures since their onset on January 7.
Southern California Edison faces legal scrutiny, with lawsuits alleging that its equipment may have ignited the Eaton Fire.
A recent court order requires the utility to disclose data from circuits in the affected area.
President Donald Trump has announced plans to visit Los Angeles on Friday to address the wildfire crisis.
Details of his visit are pending as local authorities focus on managing evolving emergency conditions.
