A new forest fire broke out north of Los Angeles on Wednesday, prompting US authorities to issue evacuation orders in an area that recently witnessed devastating fires. 

The fire is spreading rapidly near Castaic Lake, and has burned hundreds of acres in less than two hours.

Continuous hot, dry Santa Ana winds blowing over the area helped fan the fire, sending a huge cloud of smoke billowing over the burning areas.

Evacuation orders were issued in the areas surrounding the lake, located about 50 kilometers north of Los Angeles, and close to the city of Santa Clarita.

A resident told KTLA TV: “I pray that our house does not burn down.”

Footage showed police officers in the neighborhood urging residents to evacuate their homes.

Southern California has been on alert, since massive fires have destroyed parts of Los Angeles, killing more than at least 27 people and destroying more than 15,000 buildings.