The Hughes fire has prompted mandatory evacuations in Castic, California, as the fire has a "rapid rate of spread" Cal Fire said.

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

At least 28 people are believed to be dead and more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for as multiple wildfires rage across Southern California.

Updating maps of Southern California show where wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, are burning across Los Angeles.

Fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions, a series of ferocious wildfires erupted the second week of January and roared across the Los Angeles area.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Parched Southern California was forecast to face more dangerous winds on Wednesday but could get some badly needed rain this weekend, dampening the prospects of another round of killer wildfires though even a small amount of precipitation could could create new challenges like toxic ash runoff.

The Clay Fire has sparked in Riverside County on Tuesday night as wildfires continue to plague Southern California.

Strong Santa Ana winds returned to Southern California on Tuesday sparking several new fires in San Diego just two weeks after blazes killed 27 people in LA. | ITV National News

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.

Fire agencies are investigating whether downed Southern California Edison utility ... according to the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. It was 89% contained and evacuation orders ...

Santa Ana winds are whipping Southern California on Tuesday, sparking fresh fears that progress made fighting wildfires that have scorched over 40,000 acres and left 27 dead could