CASTAIC, Calif. (AP) — Firefighters fought to maintain the upper hand on a huge and rapidly moving wildfire that swept through rugged mountains north of Los Angeles and resulted in more than 50,000 people being put under evacuation orders or warnings.

Winds in the area were blowing at about 20-30mph (32-48km/h), but could pick up, which would fan the blaze and make it harder for air crews to operate. Climate change has made the grasses and shrubs that are fuelling the Los Angeles fires more vulnerable to burning, scientists have said.

A new wildfire was reported today at 8:58 p.m. in Los Angeles County. The wildfire has been burning on private land. There is no update on the containment of the fire and its cause has yet to be determined.

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 wildfire has erupted close to Los Angeles sparking thousands of evacuation orders. Ferocious flames from were devouring hillsides near Castaic Lake, spreading rapidly to cover 5,000 acres in just over two hours.