A fast-moving California fire has caused authorities to evacuate part of a 5,000-person jail in Los Angeles County. The Hughes Fire, which started in Castaic on Wednesday afternoon, has not been contained and has burned nearly 9,300 acres. Despite the efforts of 4,000 firefighters, over 50,000 people have been forced to leave the area, including almost 500 inmates from the Pitchess Detention Center. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna stated that one of the three facilities in the detention center had already been evacuated at the recommendation of fire officials and the inmates were relocated to another facility on the campus. If the other two facilities are also deemed unsafe, the department will have to move over 4,500 inmates to safety.
The L.A. County Public Defender’s Union, Los Angeles People’s City Council, and Justice LA have taken to social media to demand the evacuation of Pitchess inmates. They have urged the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the sheriff’s department to take swift action to protect the lives of the incarcerated individuals in their care. The public defender’s union expressed deep concern about the health and safety of their clients during this disaster and emphasized the importance of not neglecting or abandoning them during this critical time. The people’s council accused officials of waiting until the last minute and claimed that there would not be enough buses to evacuate all the inmates simultaneously.
The California National Guard has deployed all eight MAFFS aircraft in the U.S., including two from the state guard, to help fight the Hughes Fire. The California Guard’s MAFFS are stationed at the 146th Airlift Wing, Channel Islands Air National Guard Station in Port Hueneme, while the other six aircraft were pre-positioned there in response to other fires in the area. Governor Gavin Newsom stated that they will closely monitor the situation and provide whatever support is needed to extinguish the fire. The fire has continued to ravage the area, and the efforts of firefighters have been hampered by the spread of the flames.
The rapid spread of the Hughes Fire has led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents and caused significant damage to the surrounding area. Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blaze and prevent further destruction, but the situation remains precarious. The evacuation of inmates from the Pitchess Detention Center has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of those in custody, prompting calls for swift action from local officials. The deployment of MAFFS aircraft by the California National Guard is part of the ongoing effort to combat the fire and protect communities in the affected area.
As the Hughes Fire continues to burn out of control, authorities are facing the challenge of ensuring the safety of residents and inmates while also battling the flames. The damage caused by the fire is extensive, and the efforts of firefighters have been complicated by the difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions. The evacuation of the Pitchess Detention Center underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for a coordinated response to protect vulnerable populations. Governor Newsom’s pledge to provide support and resources to combat the fire reflects the state’s commitment to safeguarding communities and minimizing the impact of natural disasters. Despite the challenges posed by the Hughes Fire, emergency responders remain determined to contain the blaze and restore a sense of safety and security to the affected areas.
