Interstate 5 has been closed down temporarily because of the Hughes Fire. Authorities hurried to the site in Los Angeles and tried to control the fire.

The Hughes Fire in northern Los Angeles County near Santa Clarita has led to mandatory evacuation notices for I-5

A rapidly spreading wildfire in Southern California, known as the Hughes Fire, exploded to nearly 10,200 acres as of Thursday morning, crossing parts of Interstate 5 and sending heavy smoke billowing across the area.

More wildfires started in Southern California on Tuesday night and Wednesday, as gusty Santa Ana winds continue to plague the state this week.

The Hughes Fire is burning near Castaic Lake in the community of Castaic, just over six miles north of Six Flags Magic Mountain. It's a popular recreation area about 40 miles from the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires that are burning for a third week.

The Hughes Fire has now burned 8,096 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties since igniting late Wednesday morning near Castaic Lake, according to Cal Fire. More than 24,00 people have been ordered to evacuate due to the Hughes Fire. Another 30,000 people are in evacuation warning zones.

A large brush fire that erupted near Interstate 5 in Castaic has burned more than 9,000 acres, causing several evacuation orders and warnings Wednesday morning.

The Hughes Fire, reported shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday near Castaic Lake, prompted evacuation of a 280-square-mile area north of Los Angeles. The map above shows the mandatory evacuation area in red and the approximate perimeter as a black line.

A fire spreading rapidly north of Los Angeles has shut one of California’s main transportation arteries.

Fire crews are battling a swiftly growing blaze dubbed the Hughes Fire burning near Interstate 5 in Castaic, in the northern part of Los Angeles County.

Firefighters continue to battle multiple wildfires in Southern California as the return of strong Santa Ana winds and critical fire weather conditions have fueled new blazes in the drought-stricken region.

A high wind warning was issued by the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA on Sunday at 3:03 p.m. valid from Monday 10 p.m. until Wednesday 2 p.m.