CASTAIC, Calif. (AP) — Firefighters fought to maintain the upper hand on a huge and rapidly moving wildfire that swept through rugged mountains north of Los Angeles and resulted in more than 50,000 people being put under evacuation orders or warnings.

Officials released details about the recovery effort from the initial Los Angeles fires — expected to last up to 18 months as authorities clear the wreckage.

As the Los Angeles area begins the formidable task of rebuilding after the most destructive wildfires in its history, the city's artists and art collectors are mourning what could amount to billions of dollars in irreplaceable art that went up in flames.

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

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 9,400 acres (38 square km), fueled by strong winds and dry brush,

The Hughes Fire broke out late Wednesday morning and in less than a day had charred nearly 16 square miles of trees and brush near Lake Castaic.

A fast-moving wildfire, the Hughes Fire, has erupted near Los Angeles, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. The fire ignited near Castaic Lake, about 45 miles northwest of Los Angeles, spreading rapidly through dry brush.

The Hughes fire ignited about 45 miles north-west of the city of Los Angeles on Wednesday morning, near Castaic Lake in a mountainous area that borders several residential areas and schools. The blaze grew to more than 9,

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)