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.

Six wildfires are burning in Southern California, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Earlier this month, two significant wildfires ignited in Los Angeles and quickly grew to encompass thousands of acres.

The Hughes Fire has spread over 8,096 acres after starting just before lunchtime in Los Angeles County's Castaic Lake area on Wednesday.