(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Smoke from the Hughes Fire near Lake Castaic drifted over Simi Valley Wednesday, creating a hazy skyline and raising air quality concerns. The fast-moving brush fire has grown to several thousand acres since it started mid-morning, prompting evacuations and impacting travel on the 5 Freeway.
Around 11:45 a.m., residents in Simi Valley began noticing thick smoke on the horizon as the fire intensified. A photo taken from Simi Valley shows a column of smoke rising into the sky. While the fire is burning in Los Angeles County and not immediately threatening Simi, the visible smoke has drawn local concern.
“I could see the smoke from my backyard, and thought, doesn’t look good,” said a Simi Valley resident. “It’s a reminder of how dangerous these winds can be.”
Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for areas near Lake Castaic, and warnings have been issued for nearby canyons. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reports no injuries or structural damage so far, though the rugged terrain is complicating firefighting efforts.
Local schools in the evacuation zone, including Castaic High School and several elementary and middle schools, closed to ensure student safety.
Firefighters from Los Angeles County and the Angeles National Forest are attacking the fire from the air and the ground, using helicopters, Super Scoopers, and fixed-wing aircraft to drop water and fire retardant. Despite their efforts, strong winds and dry vegetation continue to push the fire’s spread.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available. Stay safe, Simi Valley.
