Breaking News: Wildfire Evacuations in Castaic Disrupt School Operations
A fast-moving wildfire in Castaic has forced the evacuation of students from Castaic Middle School, Castaic High School, and North Lake Elementary School. The California Highway Patrol coordinated the evacuation efforts, relocating Castaic Middle School and Castaic High School students to a nearby Ralph’s supermarket parking lot, while students from North Lake Elementary were escorted to safety at the Castaic Sports Complex.
The raging inferno, known as the Hughes Fire, prompted officials to take swift action, closing the Valencia and Canyon Country campuses of College of the Canyons as a precautionary measure. The college, in a statement on its website, cited concerns for the safety of students and staff in the face of the advancing flames.
The fire’s impact extended far beyond the immediate vicinity of Castaic, with thick plumes of smoke billowing across the region. Reports indicate that the smoke was visible in Oxnard, a city in Ventura County located approximately 50 miles southwest of Castaic. City officials in Oxnard confirmed the presence of the smoke, highlighting the widespread reach of the wildfire’s effects.
As the community grapples with the unfolding crisis, CNN reporters Hanna Park and Robert Shackelford have been on the ground, providing firsthand accounts of the evacuation efforts and the fire’s destructive path. Their dedicated coverage sheds light on the challenges faced by residents and emergency responders in the midst of this natural disaster.
For the latest updates on the Castaic wildfire and other breaking news stories, stay tuned to CNN. Visit CNN.com to access a wealth of news content and sign up for newsletters to receive real-time alerts on developments as they happen.
Stay informed, stay safe. This is a developing story, and we will bring you the most up-to-date information as it becomes available.
