A fast-moving wildfire exploded to more than 8,000 acres near the Los Angeles County community of Castaic Wednesday morning, prompting mandatory evacuation orders and road closures, authorities said.

Rain has continued to fall across parts of Southern California, increasing the risk of toxic ash runoff in areas hit by flames.

A fast-moving wildfire exploded to more than 5,000 acres near the Los Angeles County community of Castaic Wednesday morning, prompting mandatory evacuation orders and road closures, authorities said.

The Hughes Fire was first reported shortly after 10:30 a.m. along Lake Hughes Road, near Castaic Lake and the 5 Freeway, according to Cal Fire.

California Highway Patrol officers are in pursuit of a stolen truck driving along the southbound 5 Freeway near Castaic.

The approximately 10,176-acre Hughes Fire burning northeast of Castaic Lake in northern Los Angeles County has created smoke

The Hughes Fire burned more than 10,000 acres across the Castaic, forcing 55,000 residents into evacuation orders or warnings across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Thousands are under evacuation orders between Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Original: A brush fire erupted in Castaic, sending smoke over the Santa Clarita Valley. Around 10:40 a.m. Wednesday, first responders received reports of a brush fire on Lake Hughes Road north of Castaic Lake, according to officials. The fire is currently at 50+ acres. Smoke from the fire is visible throughout Santa Clarita.

A large brush fire that erupted near Interstate 5 in Castaic has burned more than 10,000 acres, causing several evacuation orders and warnings Wednesday morning

Ventura County authorities downgraded an evacuation order and lifted several warnings Thursday for areas in and around the town of Piru as a wildfire burning near Castaic Lake topped 10,000 acres.

The Hughes Fire, reported shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday near Castaic Lake, prompted evacuations ... acres (16 square miles), said the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Southern California ... and the department may also use Metro buses, with extra deputies to provide security. Meanwhile, as the sun began to set over Castaic Lake on Wednesday, the hills to ...