United States: A new fire rages north of Los Angeles

A new fire broke out north of Los Angeles on Wednesday, prompting evacuation orders in a region already shaken by devastating fires. The flames ravaged more than 2,000 hectares in less than two hours in the vicinity of Lake Castaic.

They were fanned by the hot, dry Santa Ana winds that continue to blow across the region, pushing a large cloud of smoke above the blaze.

Evacuation orders have been issued for more than 19,000 people living near the lake, located about fifty kilometers north of Los Angeles and near the city of Santa Clarita.

Television images show police circulating in the area to encourage residents to evacuate. Helicopters and planes dropped water on the flames to try to smother them, while firefighters tried to fight them on the ground.

Near the lake, four prisons housing a total of 4,700 people are threatened by the fire.