Evacuation orders were issued and part of a major interstate was closed after a fast-moving wildfire ignited Wednesday in Southern California.

The Hughes Fire has spread over 5,054 acres after starting just before lunchtime in Los Angeles County's Castaic Lake area on Wednesday.

By David Swanson CASTAIC, California (Reuters) -A rapidly growing wildfire broke out some 50 miles (80 km) north of Los Angeles on Wednesday, burning 5,054 acres (20 square km) while two major fires burning in the metropolitan area for more than two weeks were getting under control,

Nearly 20,000 people were ordered to flee an area north of Los Angeles on Wednesday after a fast-moving wildfire exploded, growing to more than 5,000 acres in a few hours, officials said.

Firefighters are on the scene of a new, fast-growing wildfire in Los Angeles County that prompted the evacuation of some homes and at least three schools. "#LACoFD firefighters are on scene of a brush fire located off Lake Hughes Rd.

A new wildfire erupted north of Los Angeles on Wednesday, exploding in size and sparking thousands of evacuation orders in a region already staggering from the effects of huge blazes.

Forecasters warn that dangerous winds will buffet Southern California for at least two more days as new wildfires broke out and a pair of major Los Angeles-area blazes burned for a third week.

A new fast-moving wildfire has erupted in County, triggering evacuations in a region already reeling from the most destructive fires in its history. The Hughes fire ignited north of the city on Wednesday afternoon,