On Wednesday morning, J.C. Chancellor found herself driving south on the 5 Freeway in northern Los Angeles County when she spotted a thick cloud of dark smoke rising ominously in the distance. Approximately 15 miles away, the Hughes Fire had ignited near Castaic, creating a scene that many witnesses described as apocalyptic, particularly concerning given that this area is just about 40 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.
“It looked like you were driving into hell. There was red fire coming up from below. It was pretty terrifying,” Chancellor recounted.
The Hughes Fire began around 10:30 a.m. near Lake Hughes Road, where the hillside brush was critically dry. In a matter of minutes, the fire escalated dramatically, covering more than 100 acres in less than an hour. By noon, the acreage jumped to approximately 500, swelling to around 3,400 two-thirds of an hour later. By 1 p.m., Cal Fire reported that the flames had engulfed over 5,000 acres, and by 5 p.m., that number soared to 8,000 acres, with no containment in sight.
Chancellor noted the extraordinary visibility of the fire, stating, “It looks like a smoke bomb went off.”
The overwhelming smoke cloud not only overshadowed the 5 Freeway but also impacted a nearby residential area, leading officials to issue evacuation orders. Fire crews deployed water-dropping aircraft in efforts to contain the blaze, particularly as stronger afternoon winds loomed.
Under red flag conditions, the fire’s potential for rapid spread increased significantly, with strong winds capable of carrying hot embers miles away and sparking additional spot fires ahead of the main blaze. LA County Fire public information officer Fred Fielding pointed out that the combination of extremely dry vegetation—stemming from two years of above-average rainfall followed by a dry spell—and powerful winds created a “recipe for a very high rate of spread.”
Chancellor, who lives in the Malibou Lake area of the Santa Monica Mountains, recalled the threat posed by the Woolsey Fire in November 2018, which came alarmingly close to her family’s home. Just earlier this month, the region faced the 1,000-acre Kenneth Fire that impacted parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
“I feel for the people in that area,” she expressed regarding those affected by the Hughes Fire. “It’s a scary time in this area, especially with the dryness.”
Currently, Southern California is grappling with severe drought conditions following a dry start to the wet season, which has left hillsides abundant with dry brush, further fueling wildfire outbreaks.
This incident serves as a reminder of the relentless threat wildfires pose, particularly in vulnerable regions, but it also highlights the resilience of communities that come together to support one another during these challenging times. The proactive measures taken by fire authorities and the community response reflect the preparedness that is essential in confronting such natural disasters.