A fast-moving wildfire near Castaic Lake, north of Los Angeles, forced around 31,000 people to evacuate on Wednesday, with another 23,000 under evacuation warnings.

The Hughes Fire, fueled by dry and windy conditions, grew to over 9,400 acres within hours, according to officials.

Firefighters have made progress using aerial retardant drops, though containment remains elusive.

Interstate 5 reopened after partial closures, but nearby off-ramps remain shut.

Concerns were raised about 4,700 jail inmates in the area, with 476 already relocated for safety, NBC News has reported.

The fire follows deadly blazes earlier this month that claimed 27 lives and destroyed thousands of homes.

Written by B.C. Begley