Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain a rapidly spreading wildfire in southern California, which has intensified over the past 24 hours. Authorities have raised alarms, warning that Thursday will be the most critical period for controlling the blaze.

The fire, known as the Hughes fire, is located around 45 miles (72 kilometers) north of Los Angeles. Over the course of a single day, it has expanded to 10,000 acres (4,000 hectares), prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents from an already fire-devastated region.

The situation remains dire as strong winds are forecasted to make firefighting efforts even more challenging. These winds, which could significantly increase the fire’s spread, have already made it difficult for air crews to carry out operations. So far, firefighters have managed to gain control of approximately 14% of the fire’s perimeter, but the threat remains high. Officials have extended a red-flag warning for Los Angeles and Ventura counties until Friday morning, as conditions are expected to remain hazardous with dry fuels and gusty winds.

The National Weather Service has stated that “dangerous fire weather conditions will persist through Friday,” warning that any new fires could quickly spiral out of control. The advisory emphasized that Thursday poses the greatest concern, with the combination of dry vegetation and powerful winds creating a volatile environment. People in high-risk areas are urged to have evacuation plans in place.

On Wednesday, more than 31,000 individuals were forced to evacuate their homes as the fire rapidly advanced. The fire’s flames and thick smoke blanketed the Castaic Lake area, which is surrounded by several residential neighborhoods and schools. Footage from local news stations showed residents rushing to protect their homes by spraying down their properties with water, while others hurriedly evacuated the area.

Winds in the region are blowing at speeds of 20 to 30 mph (32 to 48 km/h), but they could increase in intensity, further feeding the fire and complicating efforts by firefighting aircraft. The dry conditions, coupled with the winds, are a perfect storm for the fire’s growth.

Climate scientists have warned that climate change is contributing to the increasing vulnerability of vegetation in the area, with the region experiencing extreme swings between wet and dry conditions. These fluctuations have created a vast amount of dry fuel, making wildfires more likely and harder to contain.

Although the dry conditions will persist over the next few days, there is some hope for relief in the form of rain. Forecasters predict widespread rainfall for southwestern California, which is expected to begin on Saturday afternoon and continue through to Monday night. While rainfall totals are generally expected to be up to half an inch, the San Gabriel Mountains may see as much as 1.5 inches (4 cm).

In addition to rain, thunderstorms could bring localized heavy downpours, which could help dampen the fires but also introduce new risks such as mudslides and flooding. Snow is also possible at higher elevations above 4,000 feet (1,200 meters), which could further complicate the situation.

In the midst of the chaos, nearly 500 inmates at a local jail in the area are being evacuated as a precautionary measure. This adds another layer of complexity to the emergency response, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.

While the Hughes fire continues to wreak havoc in the northwest part of Los Angeles County, authorities have reported that two other fires ignited further south, near San Diego and Oceanside. The Lilac fire, which burned 85 acres, has now been fully contained. Similarly, the Center fire, which burned a smaller area of four acres, has also been largely controlled, with most evacuation orders now lifted.

California’s fire season is a year-round concern, as pointed out by Dana Dierkes, a spokesperson for the Angeles National Forest. “We don’t have a fire season in California. We have a fire year,” she said, highlighting the fact that wildfires are becoming increasingly common during all months of the year. The combination of dry brush, high winds, and ongoing drought conditions has made firefighting efforts much more difficult.

The relief brought by the anticipated rain, while desperately needed, also comes with its own set of challenges. The scorched ground, which has been stripped of vegetation, is less able to absorb water. This leaves areas affected by recent fires particularly vulnerable to flash flooding, mudslides, and landslides. Officials are already bracing for these secondary risks, which could further endanger communities that have already suffered from the fires.

As firefighting efforts continue and evacuation orders remain in place, California faces a dire combination of fire and weather-related challenges. With the fire season expected to persist throughout the year, experts warn that this will be a recurring struggle that will demand both immediate action and long-term strategies for fire prevention and climate adaptation.