Over 50,000 people were under evacuation orders or warnings on Wednesday due to a massive, fast-moving wildfire that tore through the rugged mountains north of Los Angeles. Meanwhile, dry conditions and strong winds continued to affect Southern California, while two other major fires in the area were still smouldering.

Within hours of starting in the late morning, the Hughes Fire had burned over 39 square kilometres of trees and brush, sending thick smoke plumes high above Lake Castaic, a well-liked recreation destination 64 kilometres away from the destructive Eaton and Palisades fires, which are in their third week of rage. According to LA County Sheriff Robert Luna, about 31,000 individuals have received evacuation orders, and another 23,000 are under evacuation warnings. LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone stated that the fire is still challenging to control, but firefighters are making progress. Sheriff Robert Luna mentioned that sections of Interstate 5, which were previously closed, will soon reopen. 

A 48 km section of Interstate 5, a key north-south highway, was shut down as flames quickly spread across hilltops and into forested canyons. Firefighters on the ground, along with aircraft dropping water, worked to stop the fast-moving fire from crossing the highway and reaching Castaic. In the afternoon, winds in the area were gusting at 67 kph, but the National Weather Service warned that they could increase to 96 kph by evening and Thursday, according to a post on X.

To the south, Los Angeles officials started getting ready for possible rain, even as some residents were allowed to return to the burned areas of Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Strong winds were expected to continue until Thursday, with rain possibly starting on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. "Rains are in the forecast and the threat of mud and debris flow in our fire-impacted communities is real," Supervisor Kathryn Barger said during a Wednesday morning news conference. While county workers cleaned drainage basins and pipes and put up barriers, fire crews filled sandbags for communities. 

Red flag warnings for high fire risk have been extended until 10 a.m. Friday in LA and Ventura counties. Officials are still worried that the Palisades and Eaton fires could break through their containment lines, and firefighters are monitoring for hot spots. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass warned that winds might spread ash and advised residents to visit the city's website for tips on how to protect themselves from toxic air during the current Santa Ana wind event. LA County public health director Barbara Ferrer also warned that the ash could contain harmful substances like heavy metals, arsenic, and other dangerous materials. "Even a brief exposure can potentially cause skin irritation and lead to more serious problems," Ferrer said on Wednesday, asking people to wear protective gear while cleaning up.

The low humidity, dry vegetation and strong winds continued as firefighters worked to control the Palisades and Eaton fires. These fires have caused at least 28 deaths and destroyed over 14,000 structures since they started on January 7. The Palisades Fire is now 68% contained, while the Eaton Fire is 91% contained. On Wednesday, Luna mentioned that there are still 22 active missing person reports in both fire areas. All of those reported missing are adults.

The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is looking into the causes of the fires but has not released any conclusions yet. People who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire have filed several lawsuits, claiming that equipment from Southern California Edison started the fire. On Tuesday, a judge overseeing one of these lawsuits ordered the utility company to provide data from the circuits in the area where the fire began.