The fire threat remains critical in Southern California, where thousands of residents were under evacuation orders Wednesday as fire crews battled the out-of-control Hughes Fire near Castaic, a suburb in the foothills and mountains of northern Los Angeles County.

A new wildfire expanded rapidly north of Los Angeles, growing to more than 5,000 acres and forcing more evacuations. Strong winds kept Los Angeles County on high alert. And some who lost their homes found themselves dealing with a new concern: having their identities stolen by criminals fraudulently applying for relief benefits.

The Hughes Fire in Los Angeles County, California rapidly spread due to strong winds on January 22. 9,200 acres were burned within a matter of hours, 31,000 people in the area are under evacuation orders.

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 deadly wildfires though even a small amount of precipitation could could create new challenges like toxic ash runoff.

Rainfall is expected to reach Los Angeles and Southern California this weekend, bringing the risk of mudslides and fire debris flow.