With the Palisades and Eaton fires still not fully contained, a new Southern California blaze sparked up Wednesday north of Santa Clarita, burning more than 9,400 acres in a matter of hours, forcing evacuations by the thousands and shutting down sections of the 5 freeway.

Much-needed rain has begun to fall over Southern California, bringing relief to the drought-stricken region but also the threat of toxic runoff.

As the cleanup phase of recovery begins after the devastating fires in L.A. County, displaced residents grapple with new uncertainty surrounding the cost and timeline for rebuilding.

The Hughes Fire has now burned 8,096 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties since igniting late Wednesday morning near Castaic Lake, according to Cal Fire. As more than 400 firefighters responded to the scene, an air tanker and four helicopters attacked the blaze from the air, preventing it from jumping Interstate 5, officials said.

The Hughes fire, burning near Castaic Lake north of Santa Clarita, exploded to more than 10,000 acres of mostly brush in just a few hours. More than 50,000 people were under evacuation orders and warnings.

The Palisades and Eaton wildfires also continue burning in the Los Angeles area, leaving parts of Southern California with devastating fire damage.

After an epic dry streak, the first real rain of winter fell in Southern California, bringing elevated risk of floods and landslides to areas recently burned by wildfires.

Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) Monday, 10:30 a.m. PSTCal Fire data marked the Palisades Fire at 94 ... which broke out Wednesday north of Santa Clarita, has burned about 10,425 acres ...

Firefighters continue to battle fires across Southern California as the area prepares for a presidential visit Friday and rain in the weekend forecast.

Residents and first responders were on high alert for possible land movement in recent burn scar areas as a winter storm moves in.

Local small businesses and lifelong homes in the Pacific Palisades were the heart and soul of the community and without them the heavily intertwined town may never be the same. Many business

Firefighters made progress on the more than 10,000-acre Hughes Fire Friday, which sent thousands fleeing after sparking near the Los Angeles County community of Castaic a day earlier.