Named the Hughes fire, the blaze was reported just after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, in the area of Lake Hughes Road and the 5 Freeway and close to Castaic Lake, according to Cal Fire.

As of 3:30 p.m., the agency reported gusts up to 42 mph and single-digit humidity near the Hughes Fire. Officials reported the Lake Piru Recreation Area was being evacuated around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Cal Fire urged residents in several regions near the Hughes Fire to leave immediately, including the vicinity of Castaic Lake, Paradise Ranch and the Ridge Route. "Immediate threat to life.

Cal Fire urged residents in several regions near the Hughes Fire to leave immediately, including the vicinity of Castaic Lake, Paradise Ranch and the Ridge Route. "Immediate threat to life.

Mandatory evacuations were issued Wednesday in the Castaic area due to the fast-spreading Hughes Fire. CAL FIRE's map shows the evacuation zones.

Credit: Reuters Ferocious flames devoured hillsides near Castaic Lake, spreading rapidly to ... Credit: Reuters The Hughes Fire came as the greater Los Angeles area was on edge after two enormous ...

The Hughes fire ignited about 45 miles northwest of the city of Los Angeles, near Castaic Lake, in a mountainous area that borders several residential areas and schools. It has grown to more than ...