The Hughes fire, spanning Los Angeles and Ventura counties, has forced mandatory evacuations for 31,000 people, with 23,000 under warnings. Warnings for evacuations and orders have recently been downgraded.

Several counties in Southern California faced "critical" fire risks this week, according to an AccuWeather forecast.

For the latest updates on the LA and San Diego fires, follow USA TODAY's coverage for Wednesday, Jan. 22. SAN DIEGO — Multiple wildfires broke out in San Diego County on Tuesday, prompting evacuation orders,

The Hughes fire has burned through 3,407 acres since it started late Wednesday morning, according to local officials.

How dry is it in Southern California? See the drought levels and recent rainfall totals for several counties in the region.

Santa Ana winds will continue whipping through Southern California through Thursday, sparking fears that progress made fighting wildfires that have scorched over 40,000 acres and left 28 dead could be reversed and more blazes could break out.

As winds across the Southern California area are calmer than their peak and firefighters are making progress, the threat to the fire-weary region remains with Santa Ana winds expected to continue in the coming days.

The California Credit Union Foundation and the North Island Credit Union Foundation invite college-bound students in Southern California to apply for their 2025 Student Scholarship Program.

The bushfire started northwest of Downtown Los Angeles and spread from Los Angeles County to Ventura County and prompted evacuations.

More wildfires started in Southern California on Tuesday night and Wednesday, as gusty Santa Ana winds continue to plague the state this week.

The Hughes Fire has spread over 8,096 acres after starting just before lunchtime in Los Angeles County's Castaic Lake area on Wednesday.

A new fire broke out Wednesday night along the 405 Freeway. The fire was burning on the east side of the freeway near the Sepulveda Fire Road. Multiple fire engines were on the scene.