Southern California is under a red flag warning for critical fire risk through Friday. The area has been facing constant challenges in controlling the fires, as dangerous winds gained strength again Thursday.

Firefighters battled multiple wildfires Thursday in southern California, including a new blaze that erupted a day earlier and prompted authorities to order more than 30,000 people to evacuate. The Hughes Fire northwest of the city of Los Angeles became the latest focus for fire crews Wednesday as it swelled to burn an area of more than 41 square kilometers near the Lake Castaic recreation area.