Recently, a new wildfire broke out in Los Angeles, California in the western United States. Within just a few hours on Wednesday, it burned through 5,000 acres (about 2,023 hectares) of land. A wildfire expert has warned that this fire could escalate into a disaster akin to "a nuclear disaster."
Wildfire Expands Over 8,000 Acres Within 5 Hours
According to foreign media reports, this fire is currently named the "Hughes Fire". Although it has not yet affected urban areas, authorities have issued evacuation orders for approximately 18,000 residents in suburban areas, including the town of Castaic. Witnesses reported seeing a large plume of smoke at around 10:45 am on Wednesday morning in the wilderness near Santa Clarita, California, prompting the immediate deployment of 4 aircraft and 50 fire trucks.
Wegley, a wildfire expert in central Pierce County, Washington, said that initial support requests have indicated that this fire is nearly out of control. He maintains contact with colleagues near the scene and continuously monitors the spread of the fire. In an interview with The Washington Post, he said, “This fire could turn into a disaster akin to ‘a nuclear disaster’, it’s really serious.”
According to the California Fire Department, the fire quickly expanded to over 8,000 acres (about 3,237 hectares) within 5 hours. The Los Angeles County Fire Department reported that residents near Castaic Lake have received mandatory evacuation orders.
Wildfire Burns An Area the Size of a Football Field Every 2 to 3 Seconds
As of 4 pm on Wednesday, the fire was completely uncontrolled, and a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Fire Department told CNN that about 19,000 residents have received evacuation orders, and another 16,000 residents have received evacuation warnings.
Based on the current progress of the fire, it is spreading at a rate of burning an area the size of a football field every 2 to 3 seconds. Videos shared on social media platforms show flames rapidly spreading down hillsides, with very intense fire covering a large area of vegetation. Thick smoke billows, and the sky is painted orange-red by firelight and smoke, creating a very horrifying scene.
Winter Storm Hits the Southern United States
Winter Storm Hits the Southern United States
On the other hand, multiple states in the southern United States are being hit by a rare winter storm, resulting in at least 10 deaths. Several states have declared a state of emergency. Snowfall records have been set in several cities, including New Orleans, Louisiana, Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida. Among these, New Orleans has encountered its largest snowstorm since 1948.
In the southern U.S. regions along the Gulf of Mexico, severe weather has impacted numerous major airports, causing widespread flight delays and cancellations, approximately 30 interstate highways have experienced traffic disruptions, and many schools, government agencies, shops, and restaurants have suspended operations.