The Hughes Fire sent thick grey smoke billowing over homes in Santa Clarita, California. At least 31,000 residents were ordered to evacuate due to the rapid spread of the blaze on Wednesday afternoon,

The Hughes Fire forced evacuations in Santa Clarita, California. At least 31,000 residents were ordered to evacuate as the blaze grew to over 10,000 acres on Wednesday, January 22. Footage captured by Liana Herrera shows a cloud of smoke rising from the flames.

The fire threat remains critical in Southern California, where thousands of residents were under evacuation orders Wednesday as fire crews battled the out-of-control Hughes Fire near Castaic, a suburb in the foothills and mountains of northern Los Angeles County.

Continued strong winds and dry conditions on Wednesday morning rapidly spread a fire near Castaic Lake in northern Los Angeles County and has burned through 8,096 acres.