PACIFIC PALISADES - The deadly Palisades Fire was 61% contained Tuesday ahead of another dangerous Santa Ana wind event that could bring isolated gusts as high as 100 mph. Forecasters took the rare step of issuing a "particularly dangerous situation warning" for a large portion of Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to damaging Santa Ana winds and very low humidity.

With the Palisades and Eaton fires still not fully contained, a new Southern California blaze sparked up Wednesday north of Santa Clarita, burning more than 9,400 acres in a matter of hours, forcing evacuations by the thousands and shutting down sections of the 5 freeway.

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. As more than 400 firefighters responded to the scene, an air tanker and four helicopters attacked the blaze from the air, preventing it from jumping Interstate 5, officials said.

Coverage of the Hughes, Sepulveda and Laguna fires in Southern California during a fourth consecutive day of red flag fire weather warnings.

The Hughes fire, burning near Castaic Lake north of Santa Clarita, exploded to more than 10,000 acres of mostly brush in just a few hours. More than 50,000 people were under evacuation orders and warnings.

Much-needed rain has begun to fall over Southern California, bringing relief to the drought-stricken region but also the threat of toxic runoff.

As Santa Ana winds returned to Southern California, residents and first responders braced for another day of critical fire weather.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: With the Palisades and Eaton fires still not fully contained, a new Southern California blaze sparked up Wednesday north of Santa Clarita, burning more than 9,400 acres in a ...

Palisades Fire ... Interstate 5, which runs the length of California, was closed between Bakersfield and Santa Clarita because of snow. The state's Department of Public Transportation told ...

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,2. Footage captured by Liana Herrera shows a cloud of smoke rising from the flames.

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,

Forecasters in Southern California expect to issue a 'particularly dangerous situation' red flag warning for the coming week as the Santa Ana wind forecast worsens.