Evacuations Ordered, Roads Closed As Fast-Growing Lake Hughes Brush Fire Spreads To 10,000-Plus Acres

LAKE HUGHES (CBSLA) — A brush fire quickly scorched thousands of acres on Wednesday afternoon in the Angeles National Forest, prompting evacuation orders and road closures.

The blaze, which has been dubbed the Lake Fire, was reported at about 3:45 p.m. near North Lake Hughes Road and Pine Canyon Road, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

At around 4 p.m., officials reported the fire was roughly 50 acres. By 4:30 p.m., the flames burned 400 acres, and LACoFD officials said it had the potential to reach 1,000 acres. About two hours later, flames quickly spread to about 10,000 acres, with 0% containment.

Some fire officials said the fire is unusual based on it developing earlier in the fire season and the speed at which it spread, with the absence of strong wind.

High temperatures in the mid-90s and low humidity will bring elevated to brief critical fire weather conditions to the mountains and Antelope Valley as crews battle the flames, officials said.

Fire crews said several strike teams are responding as part of a massive resource request to support structure protection.

Several fire officials — including crews from Angeles National Forest, and cities of Los Angeles, Huntington Beach, Culver City, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica fire departments — were working with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to evacuate residents near the fire.

Several mandatory evacuation orders, covering approximately 100 homes, were issued for the area of Lake Hughes Road at the following locations:
• South of Highway 138, all the way west to Old Ridge Route, including Pine Canyon community

An evacuation center was set up at Highland High School in Palmdale at 39055 25th Street, West Palmdale, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, officials said evacuees will have to remain in their vehicles at the location.

A shelter for large animals is also open at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds and Castaic Fairground.

Lake Hughes Road is currently closed from Castaic to Pine Canyon. Road closures continue from 3 Points Road to Pine Canyon Road, Ridge Route to Lake Hughes Road, and San Francisquito Canyon Road, Stator Lane, to Elizabeth Lake.

The cause of the Lake Fire has not yet been determined, and no injuries have been reported.

Officials said they believe they’ll be out monitoring the fire throughout the night and possibly for days to come.

Homes were reportedly burning near Pine Canyon Road from the blaze but fire officials did not immediately confirm.

Incident reports about the fire can also be monitored here.

For additional information regarding the fire, residents can call the Angeles National Forest Fire Information line at 747-216-0241.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.