Amid the devastating wildfires tearing through Southern California, Six Flags Magic Mountain has closed its gates once more.
The Hughes Fire, which erupted yesterday near Castaic, has rapidly expanded to over 10,000 acres, with just 14% containment at the time of writing. This latest blaze adds to weeks of destruction across the region, with at least 27 lives lost, over 200,000 people displaced, and more than 12,000 structures destroyed since January 7.
View of the Hughes fire out near Castaic from Universal Studios Hollywood. Just unbelievable to see how fast this fire grew in just a matter of hours.
View of the Hughes fire out near Castaic from Universal Studios Hollywood. Just unbelievable to see how fast this fire grew in just a matter of hours. pic.twitter.com/UztBjGkaZ1
— @CristalAndCris (@cristalandcris) January 23, 2025
Wildfires aren’t uncommon in Southern California. However, this month’s blazes – fueled by relentless Santa Ana winds and severe drought conditions – have wreaked particular havoc across areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
While some fires have been brought under control, others (like the Hughes Fire) continue to threaten communities, forcing further evacuations.
Southern California’s iconic attractions have not been spared from the chaos. Universal Studios Hollywood temporarily closed for two days earlier this month, while the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Griffith Observatory, and Los Angeles Zoo have all faced disruptions.
Though Disneyland Resort in Anaheim remains physically unaffected, its employees are feeling the impact. Reports indicate that some cast members displaced by the fires have been given shelter at the Disneyland Hotel.
Six Flags Magic Mountain, located in Valencia, first closed on January 8 due to the fires and is now scheduled to close again on January 24. The precise reason for its closure is unclear. While some speculate it is due to the Hughes Fire’s proximity, which has shut down nearby freeways, others suggest it may be linked to a planned power outage by Edison.
What a rollercoaster ride 2025 has been so far for Southern California – taken just SW of Magic Mountain in Valencia #hughesfire
What a rollercoaster ride 2025 has been so far for Southern California – taken just SW of Magic Mountain in Valencia #hughesfire pic.twitter.com/GyxQdF0V42
— Jonathan Grebe (@Grebe89) January 22, 2025
Local residents have shared haunting images of smoke blanketing the theme park and fire on the horizon.
Although the park lies just beyond the official evacuation warning zone near Feedmill Road, the situation remains precarious, with strong winds forecasted for the Santa Clarita Valley. Firefighters are reportedly using the park as a staging ground for their operations.
Scenes from Six Flags Magic Mountain as the #HughesFire scorch over 9,000 within just hours. A Red Flag Warning remains in place until rain arrives on Saturday. Stronger winds are on the forecast for Santa Clarita Valley on Thursday. Please take evacuation orders seriously. #CAwx
Scenes from Six Flags Magic Mountain as the #HughesFire scorch over 9,000 within just hours. A Red Flag Warning remains in place until rain arrives on Saturday. Stronger winds are on the forecast for Santa Clarita Valley on Thursday. Please take evacuation orders seriously. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/Q3K27hFX5p
— Kelvin Cheng (@kelvinkccheng) January 23, 2025
Owned by Six Flags since 1979, Magic Mountain is home to iconic attractions such as Goliath, Superman: Escape from Krypton, and Viper. This isn’t the park’s first encounter with fire-related challenges; in 2014, a blaze damaged its wooden coaster Colossus, which was later reimagined and reopened as Twisted Colossus the following year.
As crews battle to contain the Hughes Fire, officials urge residents to remain alert and follow evacuation orders. With more unpredictable weather ahead, Southern California continues to face an uphill battle against one of its most destructive wildfire seasons in recent memory.
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