The Hughes Fire erupted near Castaic Lake, California, rapidly consuming nearly 16 square miles of terrain within a day, prompting evacuations of over 50,000 residents. Although critical fire risks were present, wind conditions allowed firefighting efforts to progress, with 14% of the fire contained by Wednesday night. The ongoing California wildfire crisis, including the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires, has led to billions in damages and sparked political debates over federal disaster aid, with Republican leaders opposing conditions on aid for victims.
The situation that we're in today is very different from the situation we were in 16 days ago," Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said Wednesday evening.
In less than a day, the Hughes Fire had charred nearly 16 square miles of trees and brush near Castaic Lake, a popular recreation area.
California Republicans are pushing back against suggestions by federal officials that disaster aid for wildfire victims should come with strings attached.
The California fires have caused at least $28 billion in insured damage, calculated by disaster modeling firm Karen Clark and Company.
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