A fast-moving wildfire erupted on Wednesday near Castaic Lake, just 35 miles north of Los Angeles, rapidly consuming 3,400 acres (1,400 hectares) within two hours and prompting urgent evacuation orders.
Fanned by powerful, dry Santa Ana winds, the fire devoured hillsides in the area, sending plumes of smoke and embers racing ahead of the flames.
The blaze sparked panic in nearby communities, including Santa Clarita, as residents scrambled to evacuate.
“I’m just praying that our house doesn’t burn down,” one local told KTLA while hurriedly packing his belongings.
Police were seen driving through neighbourhoods, urging residents to leave immediately.
The wildfire outbreak comes as Southern California reels from a series of devastating blazes that have already claimed over two dozen lives and destroyed 12,000 structures across Los Angeles County.
With hot and dry conditions, officials warn that the region is at heightened risk for more fires. The cause of the Castaic Lake wildfire is currently under investigation.
