By David Swanson and Daniel Trotta CASTAIC, California (Reuters) -A new wildfire that broke out north of Los Angeles on Wednesday rapidly spread to more than 8,000 acres (32 square km), fueled by strong winds and dry brush,

The Hughes fire, which broke out north of Santa Clarita earlier Wednesday, has scorched more than 8,000 acres, according to Cal Fire.

Fire crews are battling a swiftly growing blaze dubbed the Hughes Fire burning near Interstate 5 in Castaic, in the northern part of Los Angeles County.

Friday, 12:36 p.m. PST Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced another eight people were charged for crimes linked to the wildfires in Los Angeles, bringing the total to 17 as the accused face charges such as looting, arson and impersonation of a firefighter.

A new wildfire, the Hughes fire, has prompted evacuation orders for over 50,000 people in Los Angeles. Spanning 9,000 acres with zero containment, it follows recent wildfires near Lake Castaic, spreading widespread destruction.

A new wildfire that broke out north of Los Angeles has rapidly spread to more than 38 square km, fueled by strong winds and dry brush, forcing mandatory evacuation orders for more than 31,000 people.

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

A fast-moving wildfire exploded to more than 9,200 acres near the Los Angeles County community of Castaic Wednesday morning, prompting mandatory evacuation orders and road closures, authorities said.

Up to 50,000 people have been ordered to evacuate from Castaic, California as the Hughes Fire in Los Angeles County continues to grow.

The fast-burning Hughes Fire prompted evacuations on Wednesday morning after it was reported burning near Castaic Lake in Los Angeles County on Wednesday. (Source: KTTV)