Hughes Fire forces partial evacuation of 5,000+ person Los Angeles jail

A fast-moving fire in California has caused chaos and destruction in Los Angeles County. The Hughes Fire, which started on Wednesday in Castaic, has already burned through nearly 9,300 acres and is currently 0 percent contained, according to Cal Fire.

The blaze has forced authorities to evacuate part of a 5,000-person jail, including nearly 500 inmates from the Pitchess Detention Center. Despite the efforts of 4,000 firefighters, the flames continue to spread rapidly, prompting the evacuation of over 50,000 people from the area.

Sheriff Robert Luna of L.A. County revealed that one of the detention center’s facilities was evacuated at the recommendation of fire officials. The inmates were relocated to another facility on the campus, with plans in place to evacuate the remaining 4,500 inmates if necessary.

In a surprising turn of events, some inmates volunteered to join the firefighters on the front lines to battle the flames. They worked in a coordinated manner to combat spot fires and assist in containing the fire’s spread.

The evacuation of the inmates garnered attention from various organizations, including the L.A. County Public Defender’s Union, Los Angeles People’s City Council, and Justice LA. They took to social media to advocate for the swift evacuation of the inmates to ensure their safety during this critical time.

The California National Guard has deployed all eight MAFFS (Modular Aerial Firefighting System) aircraft in the U.S., including two from the state guard, to combat the Hughes Fire. Governor Gavin Newsom reassured the public that they would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide support to extinguish the fire.

The devastating impact of the fire has been felt by many, with homes being destroyed and lives uprooted. The community is coming together to support those affected and provide assistance in any way possible.

As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for residents to stay informed and follow the guidance of local authorities. The resilience and unity of the community will be vital in overcoming this challenging time and rebuilding what has been lost.