Fast-moving Hughes Fire erupts in Los Angeles County as California officials order evacuations

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Californians near Castaic Lake encouraged to evacuate after Hughes Fire erupts in LA County

The fast-burning Hughes Fire prompted evacuations on Wednesday morning after it was reported burning near Castaic Lake in Los Angeles County. (Source: KTTV)

A wildfire recently erupted in Los Angeles County on Wednesday, prompting evacuation orders from California officials and quickly scorching thousands of acres of land.

The Hughes Fire, which was first reported on Wednesday morning, is located in the unincorporated community of Castaic in northwestern Los Angeles County. 

As of 1:15 p.m. local time, the fire was 0% contained and had burned over 5,000 acres.

Aerials show smoke billowing near Castaic Lake, a reservoir in the Sierra Pelona Mountains.

The new fire comes amid a deadly wildfire season in the Golden State, as firefighters have battled destructive Southern California blazes for weeks. 

The Pacific Palisades fire, which began on Jan. 7, is still burning and has claimed at least 11 lives and over 6,500 structures.

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The Hughes Fire burns near the I-5 freeway north of Los Angeles on Wednesday near Castaic, Calif. The wildfire is prompting mandatory evacuations just over two weeks after the Eaton and Palisades Fires caused massive destruction across Los Angeles County.  (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

According to Cal Fire, residents in four regions near the Hughes Fire are urged to leave immediately. This includes the vicinity of Castaic Lake, Paradise Ranch and the Ridge Route.

“Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW,” the alert reads. “The area is lawfully closed to public access.”

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The Hughes Fire burns north of Los Angeles on Wednesday near Castaic, Calif. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Other nearby residents, such as those living in the vicinity of Charlie Canyon and Sloan Canyon, are warned to evacuate but not ordered to do so. This also includes locals living near Green Hill Drive and Bitter Canyon.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Cal Fire website to determine whether they need to evacuate.

The Hughes Fire comes in the midst of a destructive wildfire season in California. (KTTV)

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The Los Angeles County Fire Department is actively battling the fire.

Fox News Digital’s Sophia Compton and Alex Koch contributed to this report.

Andrea Margolis is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Readers can send story tips to andrea.margolis@fox.com.