New Wildfires Stoke Fears in Southern California Despite Firefighter Progress

Key Points:

* Hughes Fire continues to rage north of Los Angeles, engulfing over 10,000 acres.
* Sepulveda Fire has burned 45 acres but is now 60% contained in downtown LA near the Getty Center.
* Laguna Fire in Ventura County prompts evacuation of California State University Channel Islands.
* Hughes Fire perimeter contained by 14%, with 50,000 evacuations ordered.
* Strong winds fan the flames, with gusts reaching up to 70 mph.
* Rain and thunderstorms expected on Saturday night to provide some relief.
* New fires come on the heels of recent blazes that killed 28 people and displaced thousands.
* Utility companies Edison International and PG&E investigate potential role in sparking fires.
* Power outages affect over 65,000 homes and businesses in California.

In-depth Analysis:

The Hughes Fire, ignited on Wednesday, has rapidly spread across 10,000 acres, threatening communities north of Los Angeles. The Sepulveda Fire has also burned 45 acres in downtown LA but is now largely contained. A new fire, the Laguna Fire, has broken out in Ventura County, prompting evacuations at California State University Channel Islands.

Firefighters have made progress in containing the Hughes Fire, with the perimeter now 14% under control. Over 50,000 people have been evacuated from the area, including prisoners at the Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic.

Strong winds of up to 50 mph are exacerbating the situation, fanning the flames and spreading embers. Winds are expected to ease slightly on Friday but may return on Saturday. However, a chance of rain and thunderstorms on Saturday night could bring some reprieve.

These new fires occur weeks after other blazes ravaged Southern California, killing 28 people, displacing thousands, and destroying nearly 15,000 structures. The Palisades and Eaton fires, responsible for the majority of the destruction, are still burning but are now more contained.

Shares of California utilities Edison International and PG&E Corp. dropped on Wednesday as concerns arose about their potential liability in sparking the Hughes Fire. Both companies' stocks have remained slightly down on Thursday.

Edison is investigating its involvement in the fire. It has cut power to over 2,300 homes and businesses in LA and Ventura counties as a precaution against downed power lines and potential new fires. Over 65,000 homes and businesses across California are currently experiencing power outages.

Authorities briefly closed a section of Interstate 5 due to the Hughes Fire but have since reopened the route. A portion of the Pacific Coast Highway remains shut while crews continue to contain and clean up the Palisades Fire.