New fast-moving Hughes Fire breaks out north of Los Angeles triggering more evacuation orders

Evacuations were ordered on Wednesday for remote communities near a huge and fast-moving wildfire in mountains north of Los Angeles.

More than 31,000 people have been ordered to evacuate while another 23,000 are under evacuation warnings, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff, Robert Luna.

It comes as parched Southern California endured another round of dangerous winds, ahead of possible rain over the weekend.

The Hughes Fire broke out on Wednesday morning and quickly ripped through nearly 40 square kilometres of trees and brush. The fire created massive plumes of dark smoke near Lake Castaic, a popular recreation area about 65 kilometres away from where the Eaton and Palisades fires are ongoing for a third week.

An almost 50 km stretch of a major highway was closed as flames raced along hilltops and down into rugged canyons. Crews on the ground and in water-dropping aircraft tried to prevent the wind-driven fire from moving south toward more populated communities in Castaic.

Authorities say the highway – Interstate 5 – will be reopened shortly, noting that fire remains difficult to contain, but firefighters are getting the upper hand..

At least three schools were evacuated as a precaution in Castaic – home to about 18,000 people – according to the California Highway Patrol.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles officials were preparing for potential rain even as some residents were allowed to return to the charred Pacific Palisades and Altadena neighbourhoods.

“We’re going to see another round of critical fire conditions across Southern California,” said Todd Hall, a US National Weather Service meteorologist.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order to expedite cleanup efforts in burn areas and mitigate the environmental impacts of fire-related pollutants. She ordered crews to remove vegetations, shore up hillsides and reinforce roads of the possible rain.

Los Angeles County supervisors also approved an emergency motion to install flood control infrastructure, expedite and remove sediment in fire-impacted areas.

Authorities urged residents to review evacuation plans, prepare emergency kits and be on the lookout for fires and report them swiftly.

Bass also warned that winds could carry ash and advised residents Angelenos to visit official city resources to learn more about how to protect themselves from toxic air.

Firefighters are still continuing to brave the flames of the Palisades and Eaton fires which are raging for a third week. As of Wednesday, the Palisades fire was contained at 68% while the Eaton blaze was at 91%.

The two fires have by far been the most destructive of the numerous fires to grip LA simultaneously. They’ve killed at least 28 people, though authorities believe the death toll could potentially be higher as they continue to investigate almost two-dozen active missing person reports.

The two fires have also destroyed more than 14,000 structures since they erupted on 7 January. The umbrella term is used by authorities to describe anything from a large building to a backyard shed.

Several lawsuits were filed by people who lost their homes in the Eaton fire. They allege that Southern California Edison’s equipment – the primary electric utility company for most of Southern California – was faulty and accused it of starting the blaze.

On Tuesday, a judge overseeing one of the lawsuits ordered the company to produce date from circuits in the area where the fire started.

US President Donald Trump criticised the response to the wildfires during his inaugural address on Monday, and said he will travel to Los Angeles on Friday. Local officials in Los Angeles say the details of Trump’s visit are still being worked out.