LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Containment of the Hughes Fire near Castaic Lake was at 98% Tuesday, with crews primarily seeking out and extinguishing lingering hot spots in the burn area and all residents now allowed to return to their homes.
Most evacuation orders were lifted as of Saturday, according to Cal Fire, but some areas remained under an evacuation warning. Those final warnings were lifted Tuesday.
Firefighters continued to improve and add control lines while keeping the fire from advancing, possibly aided by the rain in putting out hot spots while soil loosened by the flames made mudslides possible.
Fire officials planned to begin releasing firefighters and resources to make them available for future incidents should they be needed, Cal Fire officials said.
Authorities also noted that more rain could fall in the area next week, and they urged residents to consider securing their properties if they are vulnerable to mudslides by seeking out sandbags or other protective materials. Residents seeking sandbags for protection against possible debris flows were urged to visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works website at dpw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags/.
The fire has burned 10,425 acres since it started about 11 a.m. Wednesday in a remote area east of the lake, according to Cal Fire.
Sheriff’s officials urged residents returning to their homes to do so with caution, noting continued poor air quality to due ash and smoke, and the dangers of fire debris. Residents were also urged to wear N-95 masks, limit outdoor activities and keep their windows and doors closed.
It was still unclear what sparked the fire.
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