California Wildfires: Hughes Fire Contained as Relief Measures Intensify

LOS ANGELES, Jan 24 (Alliance News): Firefighters have made significant progress in containing the Hughes Fire, a rapidly spreading wildfire that erupted near Los Angeles, as Governor Gavin Newsom announced a $2.5 billion relief package to support fire-devastated communities.

The Hughes Fire, located 80 kilometers north of Los Angeles, has burned 10,176 acres but containment has increased to 24%, up from 14% earlier in the day. Over 4,000 firefighters worked tirelessly, deploying air and ground tactics to halt the fire’s advance.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for 31,000 residents, with warnings issued to another 16,000. While rain and mountain snow are expected in the coming days, officials warned of potential mudslides in burn areas.

Mayor Karen Bass outlined preventive measures, including debris removal and stormwater diversion, to mitigate risks from the anticipated rainfall.

Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire is now 95% contained, while the Palisades Fire has reached 72% containment. A smaller blaze, the Sepulveda Fire, briefly disrupted the 405 freeway and threatened the Getty Center museum but is now 60% contained after scorching 45 acres.

Governor Newsom highlighted the significance of the state relief fund for disaster recovery, debris removal, and firefighting efforts.

However, he criticized remarks from former President Donald Trump, who misattributed water conservation policies to challenges in firefighting and threatened to withhold federal aid over water management issues.

Newsom addressed the misinformation, clarifying that California’s water policies do not impact fire suppression systems, emphasizing the need for accurate information to support disaster responses.