Southern California Firefighters Battle New Blazes Amidst Gusty Conditions
As gusty winds persist in Southern California, firefighters are making headway in containing new wildfires. Anticipated weekend rainfall offers potential relief, while drought conditions heighten concerns.
Active Fires and Containment Updates
* Hughes Fire: Located north of Los Angeles, this blaze has consumed over 10,000 acres and is 24% contained.
* Sepulveda Fire: Near the Getty Center and Bel Air, this fire has affected 45 acres and is 60% contained.
* Laguna Fire: East of Oxnard in Ventura County, this out-of-control fire has charred 50 acres, forcing evacuations at California State University Channel Islands.
* La Jolla Fire: A small blaze erupted near San Diego's affluent coastal community, prompting evacuations.
Presidential Visit and State Response
President Donald Trump is set to visit Los Angeles on Friday to assess the fire damage. California Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign legislation allocating $2.5 billion for response and recovery efforts.
Weather Conditions and Forecast
Strong winds are expected to continue in Los Angeles and Ventura counties throughout Thursday before subsiding overnight. Red flag warnings will be lifted in the Los Angeles area on Friday morning, with long-awaited rain potentially arriving on Saturday night.
"A lot of these areas haven't had rain in a while," said Brian Hurley, a senior forecaster at the US Weather Prediction Center.
Utility Impacts and Power Outages
Edison International and PG&E Corp., facing liability for sparking past wildfires, saw their shares decline as the Hughes Fire spread. Edison has cut off power to over 111,000 customers to prevent wind-blown live wires.
Road Closures and Transportation
Interstate 5 was briefly closed due to the Hughes Fire but has since reopened. A section of the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu remains shut as authorities work to contain the Palisades Fire.