LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Containment of the Hughes Fire near Castaic Lake was up to 95% Monday while firefighters prepare for possible debris flow and mudslides from a weekend storm.
Evacuation orders were lifted as of Saturday, according to Cal Fire, but some areas remained under an evacuation warning.
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.
Residents returning to their homes may not be able to let down their guard. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch from Sunday afternoon to Monday afternoon for the Eaton, Palisades, Franklin, Bridge, and Hughes burn scars.
“Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall are possible in and near the burn scars,” the NWS said. “Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.”
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.
A temporary evacuation center for people displaced by the fire remained open at College of the Canyons East Gym, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road.
Residents seeking sandbags for protection against possible debris flow were asked to visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works website at dpw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags/.
It was still unclear what sparked the fire.
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